Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni And More ‘Law & Order’ Stars Remember Richard Belzer
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Richard Belzer’s “Law & Order: SVU” co-stars are paying tribute to the late actor and comedian following his death Sunday. Belzer, who famously played Detective John Munch on the long-running series, died early Sunday at his home in Bozouls in southwest France. He was 78. A cause of death for the actor is not yet known.
Former “Late Show with David Letterman writer Bill Scheft confirmed Belzer’s death to The Hollywood Reporter. “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F**k you, motherf***er,’” Scheft told THR.
Following the news, Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni and Ice-T all took to social media to remember their longtime colleague and friend.
“Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world.” Hargitay, 59, wrote on Instagram. “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 can hear them laughing already. I love you so very much, now and forever,” the post concluded.
Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson, shared fan photos of her and Belzer along with a tribute from the show’s creator, Dick Wolf, who wrote, “Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch is one of television’s iconic characters. I first worked with Richard on the Law & Order/Homicide crossover and loved the character so much, I told [screenwriter] Tom [Fontana] that I wanted to make him one of the original characters on SVU.”
He continued, “The rest is history. Richard brought humor and joy into all our lives, was the consummate professional and we will all miss him very much.”
Meloni, aka Detective Stabler, also remembered Belzer in a series of posts shared to social media.
“Richard ‘The Belz’ Belzer. A beautiful soul, a dapper dresser, with the spirit of a child. Never met anyone like him, and I never will again,” Meloni wrote on Instagram. “Ur last words have helped make ur passing easier to take.”
“Good bye mon ami. I love you. #TheBelz,” he tweeted, sharing a throwback photo of him kissing the late Belzer’s cheek.
Good bye mon ami. I love you.#TheBelz pic.twitter.com/CPJIyNDxYk
— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) February 19, 2023
Ice-T, who was recently honored on the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside some of his “Law & Order” family, took time to reflect on the highs and lows of both receiving that honor, and losing Belzer, who was his scene partner and for much of the 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.. Damn it!,” the actor and rapper wrote. “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 🙏”
See more tributes to Belzer below:
— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) February 19, 2023
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. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest. pic.twitter.com/u23co0JPA2
— Laraine Newman (@larainenewman) February 19, 2023
Richard Belzer was always so kind to me. We met at comedy club he was performing in yrs before L&O. I was young with only one film into my career. He always remembered me.
I had the pleasure of hang’n with him a couple of times. Sweet sweet man & funny as hell. He will be missed pic.twitter.com/DZx5EKb6Wy— Vincent D’Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) February 19, 2023
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
Heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Richard Belzer @MRbelzer I’m saddened to hear of his passing. Richard had a great friendship with my father. We are losing a lot of independent thinkers. Hats off to you Richard Belzer for always advocating for truth!! #rip pic.twitter.com/6S5ellRaNu
— The Essential Dick Gregory (@IAmDickGregory) February 19, 2023
Rest In Peace dear sweet kind Richard Belzer. Rest In Peace.
— Ellen Barkin (@EllenBarkin) February 19, 2023
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