Richard Belzer dead at 78: Law & Order star dies after health battle

LAW & Order star Richard Belzer has tragically died aged 78.

The iconic TV actor was best known for playing Detective John Munch in the series’ spin off show Law & Order: SVU.

Actor Richard Belzer has died at 78, according to reports

6

Actor Richard Belzer has died at 78, according to reportsCredit: Getty Images
He is understood to have passed away at his home in Bozouls, France

6

He is understood to have passed away at his home in Bozouls, FranceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The actor starred in hit show Law & Order SVU for 15 seasons

6

The actor starred in hit show Law & Order SVU for 15 seasonsCredit: Handout

Belzer is understood to have passed away this morning at his home in Bozouls in southwest France.

Bill Scheft – writer and long-time pal of Belzer, told The Hollywood Reporter: “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf***er.’”

His cause of death has yet to be confirmed.

Laraine Newman – an original Saturday Night Live cast member – took to Twitter to pay tribute to the iconic actor.

“I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing. I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL,” Newman wrote.

“One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest.”

Newman worked alongside Belzer from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, per TMZ.

Belzer starred in Law & Order: SVU for 15 seasons.

His co-star Mariska Hargitay posted a touching tribute to him on Instagram.

She said: “Goodbye my dear, dear friend.

“I will miss you, your unique light and your singular take on this strange world.

“I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years.”

The heartbroken actress added: “How lucky the angels are to have you.

“I can hear them laughing already.

“I love you so very much, now and forever.”

His friends and co-stars paid tribute to him online

6

His friends and co-stars paid tribute to him onlineCredit: Getty
Original SNL cast member Laraine Newman called him 'one of the funniest people ever'

6

Original SNL cast member Laraine Newman called him ‘one of the funniest people ever’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
His Law & Order castmate Mariska Hegarty (centre-right) said she felt 'blessed' to have known him

6

His Law & Order castmate Mariska Hegarty (centre-right) said she felt ‘blessed’ to have known himCredit: Getty

!function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s){if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod?
n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments)};if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;
n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version=’2.0′;n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0;
t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0];s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)}(window,
document,’script’,’
fbq(‘init’, ‘752905198150451’);
fbq(‘track’, “PageView”);

You May Also Like

‘Bachelor’ alum Victoria Fuller and Titans quarterback Will Levis break up after brief romance

Victoria Fuller’s WAG era is over. The “Bachelor” alum and her boyfriend,…

Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s adult daughters still take baths together

Old habits die hard. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore’s three daughters —…

Love Island star devastated following the death of her best friend from cancer as she shares heartbreaking video

LOVE Island star Jess Spencer has admitted her “heart is completely broken”…

Stephen Bear’s former fiancée Jessica Smith gives birth to a baby girl and reveals name

STEPHEN Bear’s ex-fiance has given birth to her first child. The OnlyFans…