Tributes pour in after 'Law & Order' star Richard Belzer dies at 78

Belzer started his television career on "Saturday Night Live" and he went on to appear in "Sesame Street," "Arrested Development," "South Park" and "The X-Files."

By Madeleine Hubbard

Published: February 19, 2023 3:23pm

Updated: February 19, 2023 3:46pm

Tributes are pouring in for Richard Belzer, an actor best known for starring in "Law & Order" as Sgt. John Munch, after he died Sunday at the age of 78.

"He passed at home early this morning in the south of France – in his home in the south of France – with his family around him," longtime friend Bill Scheft told Fox News Digital.

"Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light and your singular take on this strange world," fellow "Law & Order" star Mariska Hargitay posted on Instagram after Belzer's death.

Belzer started his television career on "Saturday Night Live" and he went on to appear in "Sesame Street," "Arrested Development," "South Park" and "The X-Files."

Comedian Billy Crystal tweeted: "Richard Belzer was simply hilarious. A genius at handling a crowd. So sad he's passed away."

Original SNL cast member Laraine Newman tweeted: "I loved this guy so much. He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL."