Actor and comedian Richard Belzer, dead at 78

A long time friend told the Hollywood Reporter that Belzer died at his home in southwest France.

The 78 year old reportedly was dealing with a lot of health issues.

Belzer began as a stand up comedian in the 1970’s before venturing into roles in film and on television.

His film debut was in 1974 in the comedy ‘Groove Tube'.

But he may be best remembered as the cynical but reliable detective, John Munch, on the TV Show homicide: Life on the Street and then later on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

He played the role of John Munch for about twenty years.