Richard Belzer - Actor and Comedian

Richard Belzer was a beloved stand-up comedian best known as John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU. Tragically, Richard passed away in 2018 at 78 years old.

He was raised in Connecticut before moving to New York City during the early 1970s to pursue a career as a stand-up comic. In 1974, he received his first film role in 'The Groove Tube' and made his television debut on 'Saturday Night Live' that same year.

He was a stand-up comic

Richard Belzer was an accomplished stand-up comedian who enjoyed a long and successful career. He began performing professionally in 1972, becoming a staple at comedy clubs around New York City. Additionally, he served as the warm-up act for "Saturday Night Live".

His stand-up comedy career was marked by biting humor. He was a member of Channel One, an ensemble which parodied television. In 1974, Belzer made his first film appearance in Ken Shapiro's classic "The Groove Tube."

Belzer also appeared as a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour with John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner and Harold Ramis from 1973 to 1975. This show aired on over 600 radio stations nationwide from 1973 to 1975.

The National Lampoon Radio Hour was a half-hour sketch comedy program broadcast on several stations across America. It proved incredibly popular and even spawned several albums inspired by its sketches.

After moving to New York City in 1972, he started performing stand-up comedy at various comedy clubs around town, such as Pip's, the Improv, and Catch a Rising Star.

He was renowned for his dry humor and seductive charm. In 1985, he wed actress Harlee McBride.

For many years, Belzer lived in France. He and McBride had a son named John.

In the 1980s, Belzer rose to be a beloved comedy star and appeared in various films such as Fame and Scarface. Additionally, he was often invited onto "The Howard Stern Show."

Richard Belzer's success led to an invitation to appear in HBO comedy special 'Richard Belzer: Another Lone Nut' in 1997. Following this success, he continued working as a comedian and author.

He was a self-declared conspiracy theorist and wrote several books, such as UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have to Be Crazy to Believe and Hit List: An In-Depth Investigation into the Mysterious Deaths of Witnesses to JFK's Assassination.

He was a popular radio host, co-hosting the morning show on 660 AM WNBC in New York City and appearing on The Howard Stern Show. He had an ongoing feud with wrestler Hulk Hogan which culminated in him being put in a sleeper hold during one episode of his talk show; later, Hogan settled a $5 million lawsuit against him.

He starred in a cult movie

Richard Belzer is best known for his role as Detective John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU, among many other television dramas. Throughout his career he has starred in a variety of films from comedies to satire. Additionally, he has authored several books about conspiracy theories.

He was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut and worked as a paperboy during his youth. His uncontrollable wit led him to pursue journalism at the Bridgeport Post and other newspapers before migrating to New York City where he developed his sharp tongue with members of Channel One comedy group that parodied television and inspired the cult movie "The Groove Tube".

Belzer achieved international success as a comedian, touring nationally and appearing on multiple radio shows. He hosted an HBO comedy special and recorded a comedy CD.

His career took off in the early 90s with recurring roles on The Flash and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. Additionally, he featured in several films such as Andy Kaufman's biopic Man on the Moon and Species II.

When not performing, Belzer was a popular host of his own radio show and guest star on numerous talk shows such as Hot Properties, Court TV's Crime Stories and Lifetime's Hot Property.

In 1985, Belzer married actress Harlee McBride and they have two stepdaughters, Jessica and Bree. A dedicated father and husband, he is survived by his beloved wife and children.

He enjoyed a successful career as a writer, contributing regularly to The New Yorker and authoring multiple books. He co-wrote a book about conspiracy theorists and another about the UFOs that killed JFK.

After his showbiz career, Belzer relocated to France with his wife and children. He had a close family ties and friendship with late actor Paulie Walnuts.

In addition to acting, Belzer was an accomplished writer who published four books about his belief in conspiracies. He also hosted a popular talk show and hosted various SCIFI channel prime time specials with conspiracy-themed topics.

He starred in a television series

Richard Belzer was a beloved figure on television, appearing in numerous projects throughout his career. However, his most renowned role was that of Detective John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for three decades.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Belzer developed his appreciation for comedy from a troubled upbringing. His mother beat him and his brother; as such, Belzer's "uncontrollable wit" in the classroom often got him into trouble. Ultimately, he found solace through stand-up comedy; performing with Channel One at Channel One Studios in East Village New York.

His early stage performances consisted of skits he performed with fellow members of Channel One, such as Ken Shapiro and Lane Sarasohn. To hone his craft, he imitated stars of the era like Marlon Brando and Jerry Lewis. Additionally, he learned to improvise and became an emcee for Channel One shows which eventually saw him perform to live audiences at colleges across America.

After moving to New York, he began working as a warm-up comedian for "Saturday Night Live." His biting cynicism and audience participation earned him widespread fame. After leaving "SNL," he took on smaller cameo roles in films and TV shows.

In 1993, Munch earned the role of Munch on "Homicide: Life on the Street." Later he was cast as Munch on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," airing from 1999 to 2016. As such, he appeared in 350 episodes across 23 years on both NBC crime dramas.

No matter if it was a sketch comedy show or police procedural, Munch always managed to maintain his sardonic worldview. When he appeared on other series like "Arrested Development," "The Wire," and "30 Rock," his presence was so well-crafted that viewers of those shows could recognize him even after he had retired.

On Sunday, NBC reported the passing of actor, stand-up comedian and author Alan Belzer at 78 years old. His legacy was remembered on social media platforms by friends and former co-stars alike who paid tribute to his work.

He co-hosted a radio show

Richard Belzer was an iconic stand-up comedian, actor, and author whose career spanned decades. He made numerous television appearances such as Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live and appeared in films like Fame or Scarface. Additionally, Richard hosted his own radio show and published books covering a wide variety of topics.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, his comedy career began on the New York City circuit during the Seventies and Eighties. He served as a regular warm-up comedian for Saturday Night Live tapings during its early seasons, before joining National Lampoon Radio Hour as an anchor in 1973.

He co-hosted the morning show Brink and Belzer on WNBC in the 1970s, as well as appearing frequently on The Howard Stern Show. In the late 1980s and 1990s, he also made appearances on right-wing radio show Alex Jones, where he presented conspiracy theories in a highly entertaining manner.

As a stand-up comic, Belzer was renowned for his dry sense of humor and off-color jokes. He became popular among the comedy scene in the Seventies and Eighties, as well as having an ardent fan base among conspiracy theory enthusiasts.

In the early 1970s, Belzer was a part of Channel One, an award-winning sketch comedy troupe in New York City led by Ken Shapiro and Lane Sarasohn. He performed several skits with them that focused on mock television and radio formats.

After his time with Channel One, Belzer appeared in several short sketches for local colleges. Additionally, he performed on the national stage at venues such as The Tonight Show and The Mike Douglas Show.

Belzer rose to fame through his roles on NBC police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street (1993-99) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-2016), where he portrays Detective John Munch - a sarcastic detective with an irreverent attitude. For this role, he earned himself an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Series nomination and Golden Globe nomination as well.

His role on these shows allowed him to cultivate an enthusiastic fan base and earn him numerous awards and nominations. Additionally, he appeared in several other television programs such as The Flash (1990s) and Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman(1992).