‘F* You, Mother*ers’: Comedian Richard Belzer Dies, Delivers Last Words Worthy Of Caustic ‘Law & Order’ Role

Virginia KrutaFebruary 19, 2023

Richard Belzer, comedian and actor, is best known for his portrayal of Detective John Munch. “Law & Order: SVU,” He died Sunday morning at his French home.

Belzer’s friend Bill Scheft gave an interview Statement According to The Hollywood Reporter: “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘F*** you, motherf***er.'”

Detective Munch, the iconic character that made Belzer a household-name, first appeared on NBC’s “Homicide” — but when that series was canceled, the actor told his manager to reach out to “Law & OrderDick Wolf is the series’ creator.

“I remembered that Benjamin Bratt was leaving ‘Law & Order,’ and so I called my manager and said, ‘Call Dick Wolf — maybe Munch can become [Det. Lennie] Briscoe’s partner’ — because we had teamed for the crossover. So he called and Dick said, ‘What a great idea, but I’ve already cast Jesse Martin to be the new guy [opposite Jerry Orbach],'” Belzer was recalled to the 2009 book “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Unofficial Companion.”

Wolf had another idea, and a fictional detective made the move to Baltimore. “Homicide” To New York City “SVU.”

When asked during a 2008 interview whether he minded the fact that he had essentially been typecast — playing not just they same type of character but the same exact character across several different shows, he replied, “I never asked anyone to be on their show. So it’s doubly flattering to me to see me depicted in a script and that I’m so recognizable and lovable as the sarcastic detective and smart-ass. Much to my delight, because he is a great character for me to play, it’s fun for me. So I’m not upset about being typecast at all.”

Belzer had a profound impact on many of his friends, colleagues, and they responded on Sunday to the announcement that he had died.

“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,” Marlee Matlin, actress, tweeted.

Richard Belzer was one the kindest and most welcoming actors I met when I appeared on Law and Order: SVU. Hollywood is really saddened by his passing. RIP Richard Belzer. pic.twitter.com/oI4PzLr04I

— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) February 19, 2023

Longtime costar Mariska Hargitay — who played the role of Detective Olivia Benson — shared her thoughts via Instagram, saying, “Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world. 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 love you so very much, now and forever.”

Fellow “SVU” star Chris Meloni shared a photo.

Good bye mon ami. I love you.#TheBelz pic.twitter.com/CPJIyNDxYk

— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) 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,” actor Vincent D’Onofrio added. “I had the pleasure of hang’n with him a couple of times. Sweet sweet man & funny as hell. He will be missed.”