FILE - Richard Belzer attends the premiere of "Mistaken For Strangers" during the opening night of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2013, in New York. Belzer, the longtime stand-up comedian who became one of TV's most indelible detectives as John Munch in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: SVU," has died at age 78. Belzer died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at his home in Bozouls in southern France, his longtime friend Bill Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter. (Photo by Charles Sykes / Invision / AP, File)
FILE - Richard Belzer attends the premiere of "Mistaken For Strangers" during the opening night of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2013, in New York. Belzer, the longtime stand-up comedian who became one of TV's most indelible detectives as John Munch in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: SVU," has died at age 78. Belzer died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at his home in Bozouls in southern France, his longtime friend Bill Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter. (Photo by Charles Sykes / Invision / AP, File)
FILE - Richard Belzer attends the premiere of "Mistaken For Strangers" during the opening night of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2013, in New York. Belzer, the longtime stand-up comedian who became one of TV's most indelible detectives as John Munch in "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: SVU," has died at age 78. Belzer died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, at his home in Bozouls in southern France, his longtime friend Bill Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter. (Photo by Charles Sykes / Invision / AP, File)
FILE - Richard Belzer attends the premiere of "Mistaken For Strangers" during the opening night of the 2013 Tribeca Film Festival on April 17, 2013, in New York. Belzer, the longtime stand-up comedian

Culture

Film & TV

Richard Belzer, Law & Order actor and comedian, dies aged 78

The comic-turned-television star played John Munch in Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU

Associated Press

February 20, 2023

  • English
  • Arabic

Richard Belzer, the longtime stand-up comedian who became one of television's most indelible detectives as John Munch in Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU, has died. He was 78.

The actor's longtime friend Bill Scheft said Belzer died Sunday at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, in southern France. Scheft, a writer who had been working on a documentary about the actor, said there was no known cause of death, but that Belzer had been dealing with circulatory and respiratory issues. Actor Henry Winkler, Belzer's cousin, tweeted, “Rest in peace Richard.”

For more than two decades and across 10 series — even including appearances on 30 Rock and Arrested Development — Belzer played the wise-cracking, acerbic homicide detective prone to conspiracy theories. Belzer first played Munch on a 1993 episode of Homicide and last played him in 2016 on Law & Order: SVU.

Belzer never auditioned for the role. After hearing him on The Howard Stern Show, executive producer Barry Levinson brought the comedian in to read for the part.

“I would never be a detective. But if I were, that's how I'd be," Belzer once said. "They write to all my paranoia and anti-establishment dissidence and conspiracy theories. So it's been a lot of fun for me. A dream, really.”

From that unlikely beginning, Belzer's Munch would become one of television's longest-running characters and a sunglasses-wearing presence on the small screen for more than two decades.

In 2008, Belzer published the novel I Am Not a Cop! with Michael Ian Black. He also helped write several books on conspiracy theories, about incidents such as President John F Kennedy's assassination and the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370.

Belzer is survived by his third wife, actress Harlee McBride, who he married in 1985. For the past 20 years, they lived mostly in France, in homes he purchased partially from the proceeds of a lawsuit with Hulk Hogan. In 1985, Belzer had Hogan as a guest on his cable TV talk show Hot Properties, to perform a chin-lock on him. Belzer passed out, hit his head and sued Hogan for $5 million. They settled out of court.

Scroll through the gallery below to see other people we've lost in 2023 so far

American comedian Kelly Monteith died on January 1 aged 80. Getty Images
American comedian Kelly Monteith died on January 1 aged 80. Getty Images
Daredevil rally driver Ken Block died on January 2 aged 55. EPA
Daredevil rally driver Ken Block died on January 2 aged 55. EPA
Child actor Adam Rich died on January 7 aged 54. AP
Child actor Adam Rich died on January 7 aged 54. AP
British guitarist Jeff Beck died on January 10 aged 78. AFP
British guitarist Jeff Beck died on January 10 aged 78. AFP
German model Tatjana Patitz died on January 11 aged 56. Reuters
German model Tatjana Patitz died on January 11 aged 56. Reuters
Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, died on January 12 aged 54. Reuters
Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis Presley, died on January 12 aged 54. Reuters
Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida, one of the last from the Golden Age of Hollywood, died on January 16 at 95. PA News
Italian movie star Gina Lollobrigida, one of the last from the Golden Age of Hollywood, died on January 16 at 95. PA News
Wrestlers and brothers Jay, right, and Mark Briscoe. Jay died on January 17 aged 38. jaybriscoe84 / Twitter
Wrestlers and brothers Jay, right, and Mark Briscoe. Jay died on January 17 aged 38. jaybriscoe84 / Twitter
American folk-rock star David Crosby died on January 18 aged 81. EPA
American folk-rock star David Crosby died on January 18 aged 81. EPA
Balkrishna Doshi, one of India’s most distinguished architects, died on January 24 aged 95. AP
Balkrishna Doshi, one of India’s most distinguished architects, died on January 24 aged 95. AP
TikTok star Randy Gonzalez died on January 25 aged 35. @enkyboys / Instagram
TikTok star Randy Gonzalez died on January 25 aged 35. @enkyboys / Instagram
Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died on January 25 aged 75. AFP
Cindy Williams, who played Shirley on the hit sitcom Laverne & Shirley, died on January 25 aged 75. AFP
Barrett Strong, one of Motown’s founding artists, died on January 29 aged 81. AP
Barrett Strong, one of Motown’s founding artists, died on January 29 aged 81. AP
The Last of Us and 24 actress Annie Wersching died on January 29 aged 45. AP
The Last of Us and 24 actress Annie Wersching died on January 29 aged 45. AP
South Indian director and actor K Viswanath died on February 2 aged 92. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
South Indian director and actor K Viswanath died on February 2 aged 92. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Fashion designer Paco Rabanne died on February 3 aged 88. Reuters
Fashion designer Paco Rabanne died on February 3 aged 88. Reuters
Veteran Indian singer Vani Jayaram died in Chennai on February 4 aged 78. Photo: Twitter
Veteran Indian singer Vani Jayaram died in Chennai on February 4 aged 78. Photo: Twitter
Pop composer Burt Bacharach died on February 8 aged 94. AFP
Pop composer Burt Bacharach died on February 8 aged 94. AFP
South African rap sensation Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, died on February 10 aged 35. AFP
South African rap sensation Kiernan Forbes, popularly known as AKA, died on February 10 aged 35. AFP
David 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur of the US hip-hop band De La Soul died on February 12 aged 54. EPA
David 'Trugoy the Dove' Jolicoeur of the US hip-hop band De La Soul died on February 12 aged 54. EPA
Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto died on February 13 aged 85. AP
Manga artist Leiji Matsumoto died on February 13 aged 85. AP
American actress Raquel Welch died at the age of 82 on February 15. EPA
American actress Raquel Welch died at the age of 82 on February 15. EPA
Stella Stevens, pictured in New York in 1968, died on February 18 aged 84. AP
Stella Stevens, pictured in New York in 1968, died on February 18 aged 84. AP
Law & Order actor Richard Belzer died aged 78 on February 19. AP
Law & Order actor Richard Belzer died aged 78 on February 19. AP
Jansen Panettiere, who appeared in shows such as Major Crimes and The Walking Dead, died aged 28 on February 19. Getty
Jansen Panettiere, who appeared in shows such as Major Crimes and The Walking Dead, died aged 28 on February 19. Getty
Football commentator John Motson died on February 23 aged 77. PA
Football commentator John Motson died on February 23 aged 77. PA
Hollywood film producer Walter Mirisch died aged 101 on February 24. AP
Hollywood film producer Walter Mirisch died aged 101 on February 24. AP
Animator and director Burny Mattinson worked with Disney for nearly 70 years until his death aged 87 on February 27. WireImage
Animator and director Burny Mattinson worked with Disney for nearly 70 years until his death aged 87 on February 27. WireImage
French football player Just Fontaine died aged 89 on March 1. EPA
French football player Just Fontaine died aged 89 on March 1. EPA
Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, right, died aged 56 on March 2. Getty
Pulp bassist Steve Mackey, right, died aged 56 on March 2. Getty
Wayne Shorter, an influential jazz musician, died aged 89 on March 2. AFP
Wayne Shorter, an influential jazz musician, died aged 89 on March 2. AFP
Architect Rafael Vinoly died aged 78 on March 2. Getty
Architect Rafael Vinoly died aged 78 on March 2. Getty
Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore died aged 61 on March 3. Reuters
Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore died aged 61 on March 3. Reuters
Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, died aged 71 on March 5. EPA
Gary Rossington, a founding member of Lynyrd Skynyrd, died aged 71 on March 5. EPA
Pakistani actor Qavi Khan died aged 80 on March 5. Photo: Parveen Shah Productions
Pakistani actor Qavi Khan died aged 80 on March 5. Photo: Parveen Shah Productions
Bollywood actor, comedian, writer and director Satish Kaushik died aged 66 on March 8. Jeff Topping / The National
Bollywood actor, comedian, writer and director Satish Kaushik died aged 66 on March 8. Jeff Topping / The National
Israeli actor Chaim Topol died aged 87 on March 8. AP
Israeli actor Chaim Topol died aged 87 on March 8. AP
British TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady died on March 28 at the age of 67. PA
British TV presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady died on March 28 at the age of 67. PA
Moonbin, a member of K-pop boy band Astra, died at the age of 25 on April 19. AFP
Moonbin, a member of K-pop boy band Astra, died at the age of 25 on April 19. AFP
Bodybuilding social media influencer Jo Lindner, popularly known as Joesthetics, died on July 1 at the age of 30. @joesthetics / Instagram
Bodybuilding social media influencer Jo Lindner, popularly known as Joesthetics, died on July 1 at the age of 30. @joesthetics / Instagram
Peter Hellyer, who moved to the UAE in the 1970s, died on July 2 at the age of 75. Pawan Singh / The National
Peter Hellyer, who moved to the UAE in the 1970s, died on July 2 at the age of 75. Pawan Singh / The National
British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, who inspired the famous Hermes Birkin bag, died aged 76 on July 16. AFP
British-French actress and singer Jane Birkin, who inspired the famous Hermes Birkin bag, died aged 76 on July 16. AFP
American musician Tony Bennett died on July 21 at the age of 96. Reuters
American musician Tony Bennett died on July 21 at the age of 96. Reuters
Acclaimed Irish singer Sinead O’Connor died at the age of 56 on July 26. Sarah Dea / The National
Acclaimed Irish singer Sinead O’Connor died at the age of 56 on July 26. Sarah Dea / The National
Matthew Perry, one of the stars of TV sitcom Friends, died on October 28 aged 54. AFP
Matthew Perry, one of the stars of TV sitcom Friends, died on October 28 aged 54. AFP
Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter died at the age of 96 on November 19. AP
Former US first lady Rosalynn Carter died at the age of 96 on November 19. AP
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in Parasite, died on December 27 aged 48. Reuters
South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun, best known for his role in Parasite, died on December 27 aged 48. Reuters
Pharaoh's curse

British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.

Whiile you're here
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?

The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.

A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.

Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.

The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.

When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.

On Women's Day
While you're here
While you're here
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The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Ethree%20three%20212.7kWh%20motors%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201%2C000bhp%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E15%2C600Nm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20530km%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh500%2C000%2B%20est%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eearly%202023%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

While you're here
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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Marathon results

Men:

 1. Titus Ekiru(KEN) 2:06:13 

2. Alphonce Simbu(TAN) 2:07:50 

3. Reuben Kipyego(KEN) 2:08:25 

4. Abel Kirui(KEN) 2:08:46 

5. Felix Kemutai(KEN) 2:10:48  

Women:

1. Judith Korir(KEN) 2:22:30 

2. Eunice Chumba(BHR) 2:26:01 

3. Immaculate Chemutai(UGA) 2:28:30 

4. Abebech Bekele(ETH) 2:29:43 

5. Aleksandra Morozova(RUS) 2:33:01  

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

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The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Villains
Queens of the Stone Age
Matador

PROFILE OF SWVL

Started: April 2017

Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: transport

Size: 450 employees

Investment: approximately $80 million

Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani

The specs

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 715bhp

Torque: 900Nm

Price: Dh1,289,376

On sale: now

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Tomorrow 2021
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Honeymoonish
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Updated: February 20, 2023, 4:45 AM`
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