Richard Belzer

Richard Jay Belzer (August 4, 1944 – February 19, 2023) was an American actor, comedian, and author. He gained recognition for his portrayal of BPD Detective, NYPD Detective/sergeant, and investigator John Munch in the NBC police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a role he portrayed for 23 years. Belzer also made several guest appearances on other series. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to a Jewish family, Belzer had a difficult childhood and used comedy as a coping mechanism. Prior to his acting career, he worked as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post after attending Dean College in Massachusetts. Belzer was married and lived in New York City.