"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star . A friend of Belzer's confirmed to that the actor was suffering from health issues. The veteran actor was 78.
A notable comedian, Belzer eventually found the role of a lifetime when he became . He first appeared as Munch in NBC's "Homicide: Life on the Street," only to return as the character in "Law & Order: SVU." Belzer was committed to the "Law & Order" character for over 20 years, playing him across several shows, though "SVU" was the detective's main bread and butter.
With Belzer so attached to his "SVU" role, it's no surprise that several of the actor's former colleagues are reacting to his passing. "Good bye mon ami. I love you. #TheBelz," shared Belzer's "SVU" co-star Christopher Meloni on . Attached to Meloni's heartfelt message was a photo of the Elliot Stabler actor kissing Belzer on the cheek. Meloni followed up his original reaction by
Mariska Hargitay, best known to fans as the unstoppable Olivia Benson in "Special Victims Unit," took to to pay tribute to her late costar. In an emotional post, Hargitay described Ricard Belzer as a "dear, dear friend." "I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world," Hargitay wrote.
District Attorney Casey Novak actor Diane Neal expressed her grief on , sharing several photos of Belzer and herself to her followers. "#UncleBelzer my hero, Neal wrote. "We always had fun. Genuinely. At work. On vacation. Anywhere. #RichardBelzer #Belzer #Belz The man who made every moment better. I will miss you terribly."
Ice-T, who plays Fin Tutuola on "SVU," was saddened to hear the news of Belzer's death.
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin, who made a brief appearance in "SVU" as Dr. Amy Solwey also shared her memories of Belzer on . "Richard Belzer was one of the most kindest and welcoming actors when I guested on two episodes of 'Law and Order: SVU,'" Matlin tweeted. "His passing is truly a loss for Hollywood and I will miss him dearly. RIP Richard Belzer."
Those behind the "Law & Order" cameras also remembered the actor following his passing. "Richard Belzer was the first actor to welcome me when I started at 'SVU,'" tweeted former "SVU" showrunner . "Open, warm, acerbic, whip smart, surprisingly kind.
"Law & Order" franchise veteran and "SVU" executive producer Julie Martin paid tribute to actor on shortly after his death was confirmed. "Missing Richard Belzer today," Martin shared. "Working with him on 'Homicide' to 'SVU' has been a hilarious, surprising and always joyful experience. I'm sure he's giving 'em all a lot of laughs upstairs.