Richard Belzer

Richard Jay Belzer (August 4, 1944 – February 19 2023)^[1][2] was an American stand-up comedian and actor. He was also a conspiracy author.^[3] He is best known for his role as John Munch,^[4] on the NBC police drama series Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.^[5]

Richard Belzer
Belzer at the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2009
Birth name	Richard Jay Belzer
Born	(1944-08-04)August 4, 1944 Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
Died	February 19, 2023(2023-02-19) (aged 78) Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France
Medium	Stand-up Movies Television Books Radio
Nationality	American
Years active	1972–2016
Genres	Political satire Observational comedy Deadpan
Subject(s)	American culture American politics Current events Mass media
Spouse	Gail Susan Ross ​ ​ (m. 1966; div. 1972)​ Dalia Danoch ​ ​ (m. 1976; div. 1978)​ Harlee McBride ​ (m. 1985)​
Notable works and roles	John Munch on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Belzer believed there was a conspiracy to assassinate President John F. Kennedy.^[6] He wrote four books discussing conspiracy theories.

Belzer was a cousin of actor Henry Winkler.^[7]

Belzer died at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France on February 19, 2023, at age 78.^[8] The cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest caused by heart and respiratory failure.^[8]