Profession: Comedian and Actor
Biography: Richard Belzer is an American stand-up comedian and actor best known for his role as Detective John Munch. He first played this character on the NBC police drama Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-1999) and then later on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-2016).
Belzer has appeared as Detective Munch on a total of ten different television shows, spanning various networks and genres, but he is best known for his performance on Law & Order alongside Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, and Ice-T.
Prior to his acting career, and despite the serious nature of his later roles, Belzer worked as a stand-up comedian. He appeared various television and radio programs, including performing on Saturday Night Live, and was also an opening act for Warren Zevon.
Born: August 4, 1944
Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Monkey
Star Sign: Leo
Died: February 19, 2023 (aged 78)
Historical Events
- 1985-03-27 Professional wrestler Hulk Hogan acquiesces to put interviewer Richard Belzer in a hold, resulting in Belzer passing out, hitting his head on the floor, and requiring 9 stitches; Belzer sues Hogan for $5 million in damages for personal injury, they settle out of court, and Belzer buys a home in France
Biographies and Sources
- Richard Belzer, Extraordinarily Smart-Ass as a Comic and a TV Cop, Dies at 78 - The Hollywood Reporter
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