Richard Belzer, original cast member of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” has died at the age of 78, according to media reports. The cause of death is currently unknown.
“Richard Belzer was the first actor to welcome me when I started at ‘SVU,’” current “SVU” showrunner Warren Leight wrote. “Open, warm, acerbic, whip smart, surprisingly kind. I loved writing for Munch, and I loved being with Belz.”
Belzer was best known to fans of the long-running crime drama as NYPD Det. John Munch, a sardonic investigator whose dry wit was guided by the actor’s years of stand-up comedy experience.