Law & Order: SVU star Richard Belzer has passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday.
The actor, stand-up comedian, and author was best known for portraying Detective John Munch on 326 episodes of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.
Besides his work on the show, Belzer also appeared in over twenty other series including the likes of Homicide: Life on the Street, The New Adventures of Superman, The Flash, Saturday Night Live, and more.
Leading tributes to the beloved actor was his friend and co-star Mariska Hargitay, who appeared on 531 episodes of Law and Order: SVU from 1999 to 2023.
“Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world,” she penned.
“I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years. How lucky the angels are to have you. I love you so very much, now and forever.”
Posting a tribute was also rapper Ice-T who appeared alongside Belzer as Odafin ‘Fin’ Tutuola in the popular series.
“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.. D*mn it!” he wrote.
He continued: “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 Homie.”
Meanwhile, writer Bill Scheft confirmed that the actor passed away at his home in France on Sunday after battling a series of health issues.
“His last words were, ‘F**k you, motherf***er,” Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter.
The actor’s passing was first revealed by SNL alum Laraine Newman who revealed that the actor was one of her first friends in New York.
“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. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster,” she tweeted.
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