The LAW & ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT Team Pays Tribute to Richard Belzer

Richard Belzer, an actor/comedian/author, died on Sunday, February 19. He was 78. (According to The Hollywood Reporter, his last words were pretty iconic: “F— you, motherf—er.”)

Belzer was best known to television audiences for playing John Munch across a staggering ten live-action series (and one animated show), including HOMICIDE, the LAW & ORDER franchise, THE X-FILES, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, THE WIRE, and 30 ROCK.

His longest tenure playing Munch came on SVU, where Belzer was on the series until season 15. (He guest starred in a season 17 episode, marking his final on-screen appearance as John Munch.) The drama gave an update on Munch in the Thursday, February 16 episode, as Fin (Ice T) recalled his former partner to Bruno (Kevin Kane): Munch went back to Baltimore and got his cop bar back, and was also busy romancing a rabbi.

With news of Belzer’s passing, his former colleagues are paying tribute…

SVU star Mariska Hargitay:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SVU star Ice T:

Highs and Lows… After one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I wake up to the news I lost my friend today. Belz is gone.. Damn it! But remember this..’When you ARE having real fun and are Truly Happy. ENJOY it to the fullest! Cause Pain is inevitably coming.’ I’ll miss you… https://t.co/WmaHvj629b pic.twitter.com/Fca9qiaDLV

— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) February 19, 2023

Former LAW & ORDER: SVU/current L&O: ORGANIZED CRIME star Christopher Meloni:

Good bye mon ami. I love you.#TheBelz pic.twitter.com/CPJIyNDxYk

— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) February 19, 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

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LAW & ORDER franchise creator Dick Wolf:

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— Wolf Entertainment (@WolfEnt) February 19, 2023

NBC and Universal Television:

“Anyone who ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray Det. John Munch — whether on HOMICIDE or LAW & ORDER: SVU – over four decades will never forget how much he inhabited that beloved character to make it his own. His professionalism, talents and dedication to the craft made him a pillar in the industry, but it was his humor, compassion and loving heart that made him family. Our condolences go out to his loved ones as we join them in mourning his loss, but also in celebrating his memory.”

Executive producer Julie Martin:

Missing Richard Belzer today. Working with him on Homicide to SVU has been a hilarious, surprising and always joyful experience. I'm sure he's giving 'em all a lot of laughs upstairs. 💔💔

— Julie Martin (@JulieMartinNY) February 19, 2023

Executive producer Norberto Barba:

Richard Belzer, humanist, gentleman, mensch—welcomed me warmly into his world. Super cool cat, humility personified. Fellow conspiracy and UFO freak. Funny as hell. Calming influence like a guy who’s seen it all and knows it’s all going to be great. RIP Belz.

— Norberto Barba (@Orsonb63) February 20, 2023

Co-executive producer Brianna Yellen:

Belzer. Always an incredible, warm, unmatched presence, which lasted well beyond his decades on SVU. A true mensch. One of the greats. Forever Munch. 🧡🧡

— Brianna Yellen (@ItsAlwaysBreezy) February 19, 2023

Former showrunner Neal Baer:

So saddened to learn that the fabulous Richard Belzer passed away.Loved working with him for 11 years on SVU. Favorite moments: w Marlee Matlin, Carol Kane, Stephanie March (TaySachs episode) and of course the great Ice-T. Rest in peace, Munch.Your comic genius will last always.

— NealBaer🏳️‍🌈 (@NealBaer) February 19, 2023

Former showrunner Warren Leight:

Richard Belzer was the first actor to welcome me when I started at SVU. Open, warm, acerbic, whip smart, surprisingly kind. I loved writing for Munch, and I loved being with Belz. We sensed this would be his parting scene. Godspeed Belz…
https://t.co/PhVvZMMcj0 via @YouTube

— Warren Leight (@warrenleightTV) February 19, 2023

Former SVU star Kelli Giddish:

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Former SVU star Danny Pino:

You…
made me laugh.
welcomed me.
emboldened me.
showed me how precious, beautiful and ridiculous it all is.
taught me to hit a speed bag.
made me a Rolling Stones fan.
taught me grace.
opened your home.
gave back.
made me laugh.
made us laugh.
l…
Love you, Belz#RichardBelzer

— Danny Pino (@TheDannyPino) February 20, 2023

Former SVU star Diane Neal:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Former SVU star Dean Winters:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Former co-executive producer Tara Butters:

I had the pleasure to work with #RichardBelzer for 5 years on SVU. Such a talent. So funny. #RIPMunch

— Tara Butters🦋🦋🦋🦋 (@breadandbutters) February 19, 2023

Guest star Donal Logue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Guest star Marlee Matlin:

Richard Belzer was one of the most kindest and welcoming actors when I guested on two episodes of Law and Order: SVU. His passing is truly a loss for Hollywood and I will miss him dearly. RIP Richard Belzer. pic.twitter.com/oI4PzLr04I

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) February 19, 2023

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