The New York SVU team is in mourning. Richard Belzer, who played Inspector John Munch in the series for 17 years, died on Sunday, February 19, in Beausoleil, Aveyron. He was 78 years old. His death was announced by his friend, actress Laraine Newman Twitter account.

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he began his career in comedy in 1972, doing stand-up and valet parking. Saturday Night Live. Then he combines the programs into small roles. In 1975, he made his acting debut in Kenneth Shapiro’s Do It With Your Fingers; A sketch movie parodying TV shows.

John Munch Forever

If he took a place in the spotlight thanks to the register of comedy, especially the qualities of the character of John Munch won his stripes. In 1993, he played this role in the TV series The Killing until 1999, and then New York, Special Dept until 2016.

The character was also deliciously passed down to posterity: the actor actually portrayed him in various TV series, sometimes crossover. We were able to find him in Arrested Development; 30 Rock; The Wire, for one episode; Or even in season 5 of the X-Files series.

“Richard Belzer’s performance as Detective John Munch is one of television’s most iconic” This was announced by Dick Wolf, creator and showrunner, in a press release New York Special Section.

“I first worked with Richard on the New York County/Homicide crossover, and I liked the character so much that I told him Tom Fontana That I wanted to make him one of the original SVU characters. The rest is history. Richard brought humor and joy to all of our lives; He was the consummate professional and will be greatly missed.”

His co-stars in the series also respect the actor who played this cute mule head who also knew how to be cynical. “Goodbye my dear friend. I will miss your unique light and your unique vision of this strange world. I feel blessed to have known, adored and worked with you for so many years. .

How lucky you are to have angels. I can already hear them laughing. I love you so much, now and forever” Mariska Hargitay, the leading lady of the series since 1999, wrote on Instagram.

The suggestion was also made by Chris Mellon, posting on his Twitter account A photo of her and Richard Belzer, sober “Goodbye my friend, I love you.”