Richard Belzer,
American actor famous for having been one of the protagonists of the classic police TV series
Law & Order
for more than twenty years playing detective John Munch - especially in the Special Victims Unit version - has died at the age of 78.
His agent, quoted by CNN, gives the news.
Belzer, who lived in France, had "many health problems," writer Bill Scheft, a close friend of his, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Born as a comic actor, Belzer lent his gaunt, hollow face and scathing sense of humor to Detective Munch, who first appeared on NBC's 1993-1999 series "Homicide: Life on the Street."
But the character became a TV icon with Special Victims Unit, where Belzer starred for 326 episodes from 1999 to 2016 (although his character had retired in 2013).
Many condolences were joined by Mariska Hargitay, who plays the main character of Law & Order - Special Victims Unit.
Detective Olivia Benson: "Hello dearest friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your unique perspective on this strange world. I feel blessed to have known, adored and worked with you, side by side, for so many years".
