Richard Belzer passed away at the age of 78. The standup comedian and actor had a long and successful career. All the faces on which he put a smile have been saddened by hearing the tragic news of his death. People have paid their last tribute to the legendary artist.
Belzer died on Sunday, February 19 at his home in Southwest France. He has left behind a legacy that is worth dissecting, writing, and talking about. So let’s take a closer look at Belzer’s life, career, and the cause of his eventual and tragic death. Keep on reading to know about him.
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Life And Career Richard Belzer
Born on August 4, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Richard Belzer grew up in a family with a troubled mother. She would often physically abuse him and later started comedy to distract her from abusing him. He did his graduation from Fairfield Warde High School and got a job as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post.
After getting expelled from Dean College, Belzer started doing stand-up comedy in New York. He eventually became the audience warm-up comedian on ‘Saturday Night Live’ between 1975 and 1980.
In terms of acting, Belzer portrayed the role of DA Investigator John Munch on NBC’s police drama television series ‘Homicide: Life on the Street’ and ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.’
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How Did He Die?
On Sunday, February 19, 2023, Belzer passed away at the age of 78 in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, a Southwest commune of France. He died because of some undisclosed complications of circulatory and respiratory conditions.
Bill Scheft, a novelist and a long-time friend of Belzer said: “He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, ‘Fuck you, motherfucker.'” Belzer lived a tough life as after the death of his mother due to breast cancer, his family fell apart.
Both his father and his brother died by suicide. His father’s suicide had a deep impact on Belzer who then decided to take risks and tried his hands on comedy. He married thrice in his life: Gail Susan Ross (between 1966 to 1972), Dalia Danoch (between 1976 to 1978), and Harlee McBride who he married in 1985.
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