Meet Richard Belzer, who was born on August 4, 1944, and passed away at the age of 78 years old this year 2023. He is an American actor, stand-up comedian, and author. Let’s read his full biography and net worth below.
Richard Belzer was a famous actor who played the character of John Munch, a detective in the Baltimore Police Department and the New York Police Department, and an investigator for the District Attorney’s office.
He played this character on two popular TV shows, Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, for a total of 23 years from 1993 to 2016. He also made appearances as this character on other TV shows.
Richard Belzer Biography
Richard Jay Belzer, born on August 4, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, was a multi-talented American comedian, actor, and author. Belzer began his career in entertainment in 1972 and was active until 2016.
He was known for his political satire, observational comedy, and deadpan delivery. His subject matter frequently included American culture, politics, current events, and mass media.
Richard Belzer was also related to Henry Winkler as his cousin. ((nnn.ng)) In addition to his work in stand-up comedy, Belzer also had a successful career in film, television, books, and radio.
Richard Belzer’s Marriages
Belzer was married twice before meeting Harlee McBride in 1981. McBride was a former Playboy model who had appeared in TV commercials and was acting in free theater. The two married in 1985 and have been together since.
Surviving Testicular Cancer
In 1983, Belzer was diagnosed with testicular cancer. He was able to beat the cancer and has since used the experience as material for his comedy routines.
The Hulk Hogan Incident
Belzer had Hulk Hogan on his cable TV show, Hot Properties, in 1985, and repeatedly asked Hogan to demonstrate one of his signatures wrestling moves. Hogan eventually put Belzer in a front chin-lock, causing Belzer to pass out and hit his head on the floor.
Belzer sued Hogan for $5 million, settling out of court for $400,000 in 1990. Belzer has used the incident in his stand-up routine and to help pay for a home in France.
Family Tragedies
Belzer’s older brother, Leonard, died by suicide in 2014, and his father died by suicide in 1968. These family tragedies have influenced Belzer’s life and work. Richard Belzer has had an interesting life full of ups and downs, and his experiences have informed his comedy and writing.
Education
After finishing high school at Fairfield Warde, Richard Belzer worked as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post. He then went to Dean Junior College in Massachusetts but was expelled.
His Retirement
In 2016, Richard Belzer announced his retirement from acting due to health concerns, but he has made occasional appearances in films and TV shows since then.
He has also been active on social media in recent years, where he shares his views on politics and current events.
Family | Mother
Richard Belzer said that his mother used to physically abuse him and his brother. To distract her from the abuse, he tried to make her laugh, which he says started his career in comedy.
Wifes
Richard married three times, to Gail Susan Ross from 1966 to 1972, to Dalia Danoch from 1976 to 1978, and to Harlee McBride from 1985 until his death. Belzer passed away on February 19, 2023, at the age of 78 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France.
Children
Richard Belzer, a comedian and actor, did not have any biological children of his own but became a foster parent in all his marriages.
He has talked about his experience raising children in his book “I Am Not a Cop!” and has been a board member of the Fund for the City of New York, which supports organizations working to improve the quality of life for New Yorkers, including children.
He has also supported the Children’s Health Fund, which provides healthcare to underserved children in the US. Belzer has been a vocal advocate for children’s rights and has spoken out on issues such as child abuse, neglect, and access to education.
Although he did not have his own children, his work as a foster parent and his advocacy for children’s welfare demonstrate his commitment to helping young people in need. ((ghgossip.com))
Career
Richard Belzer is an American actor, stand-up comedian, and author who began his career in comedy in the 1970s in New York City, performing at clubs such as Pips, The Improv, and Catch a Rising Star.
He worked as a warm-up comedian for Saturday Night Live and also opened for Warren Zevon on his tour. Belzer has also appeared in films, including “Fame,” “Scarface,” and “A Very Brady Sequel.”
He was a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour and was a regular on the Baltimore-based “Homicide: Life on the Street” and the New York City-based “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” portraying police detective John Munch in both series.
He has played the same character on 11 different television shows, which is a record for a single actor. Belzer is also the author of several books.
His Death
Richard Belzer, a well-known actor who starred in the TV show “Law and Order,” has died at the age of 78. He passed away at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, on February 19, 2023, from complications related to his circulatory and respiratory conditions.
Belzer was famous for his roles in TV shows and movies, as well as his stand-up comedy routines. He also survived testicular cancer and was known for his interest in conspiracy theories.
According to a friend of his, Bill Scheft, Belzer’s last words were “Fuck you, motherfucker.” ((nnn.ng)) Belzer’s death has been widely mourned by his fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. ((truescoopnews.com))
