What was Richard Belzer's Net Worth?
Richard Belzer was an American stand-up comedian, author, and actor who had a net worth of $16 million at the time of his death. Richard died on February 19, 2023, at the age of 78. Belzer was best known for his iconic role as John Munch on the police procedural series "Homicide: Life on the Street" and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." He holds the record for most consecutive years portraying a character on television. Richard appeared in the role across various other shows over 23 years, from 1993 to 2016. Additionally, he starred in films such as "The Groove Tube," "Scarface," "Freeway," "North," and "Species II." Belzer was also a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour alongside notable comedians like John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Harold Ramis, which aired on more than 600 U.S. stations from 1973 to 1975.
John Munch Record
Richard Belzer's portrayal of John Munch spanned several decades, making him a beloved figure in television history. As a regular cast member on "Homicide: Life on the Street" and Dick Wolf's "Law & Order: SVU," Belzer portrayed Munch for 22 consecutive seasons over 23 years, from 1993 to 2016, breaking the record previously tied between James Arness and Kelsey Grammer. Belzer appeared in 122 episodes of "Homicide" and 325 episodes of "SVU." His portrayal of Munch extended beyond these shows, making guest appearances on "The X-Files," "The Wire," and "30 Rock."
Early Life
Richard Belzer was born on August 4, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut to Jewish parents Charles and Frances. His mother was often physically abusive, and he used comedy to distract her from attacking him and his older brother, Leonard. Belzer graduated from Fairfield Warde High School and worked as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post before attending Dean College in Franklin, Massachusetts. Unfortunately, he was expelled and subsequently took on various odd jobs, including as a census taker. Belzer's father committed suicide in 1968.
Career Beginnings
Belzer began his show-business career in the early 70s as a stand-up comic in New York City, performing at venues such as Pips, the Improv, and Catch a Rising Star. Additionally, he served as the audience warm-up comedian for "Saturday Night Live" and made numerous guest appearances on the show between 1975 and 1980.
Television Career
In 1984, Belzer had his own short-lived show called "The Richard Belzer Show." He appeared in episodes of "Moonlighting," "Miami Vice," and "Tattingers" throughout the late 80s. In the early 90s, Belzer had recurring roles on shows like "The Flash" and "Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman." However, his breakthrough came in 1993 with his role as Detective John Munch on "Homicide: Life on the Street." The show was a great success and ran for seven seasons until 1999. Belzer continued the role on "Law & Order: SVU," playing Munch for 325 episodes until 2016. He also made cameo appearances as Munch on various other programs, such as "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," "Arrested Development," and late-night talk show "Jimmy Kimmel Live."
Film Career
Richard Belzer made his film debut in the 1974 comedy "The Groove Tube," and in the early 80s, he had minor roles in "Fame," "Café Flesh," "Author! Author!," "Night Shift," and Brian De Palma's remake of "Scarface." Later, he appeared in "Freeway," "The Wrong Guys," "The Big Picture," and "Fletch Lives." His 90s credits include "The Bonfire of the Vanities," "Off and Running," "Mad Dog and Glory," "Dangerous Game," "North," "The Puppet Masters," "Get on the Bus," "A Very Brady Sequel," and "Species II," where he played the President of the United States.
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Radio Career
In addition to his television and film roles, Belzer frequently appeared on the radio. From 1973 to 1975, he was a featured player on the "National Lampoon Radio Hour" alongside Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner, Harold Ramis, and John Belushi. Later in the 70s, he cohosted "Brink & Belzer" in New York City and became a regular guest on "The Howard Stern Show," as well as on right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones's program.
Conspiracy Theories and Books
Belzer was known for his belief in conspiracies, particularly regarding the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He wrote many books on the subject, including "UFOs, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don’t Have to Be Crazy to Believe" and "Dead Wrong: Straight Facts on the Country’s Most Controversial Cover-Ups." Additionally, Belzer penned non-conspiracy books such as "How to Be a Stand-Up Comic" and "I Am Not a Cop!"
Hulk Hogan Incident
In 1985, days before the inaugural WrestleMania event, Belzer invited professional wrestler Hulk Hogan to demonstrate one of his signature moves on Belzer's TV talk show "Hot Properties." Hogan applied a front chin-lock that caused Belzer to black out. Upon release, Belzer hit his head on the floor, resulting in a laceration that required hospitalization. Belzer sued Hogan for $5 million, and they ultimately settled out of court.
Personal Life
Richard Belzer married his first wife, Gail Susan Ross, in 1966, but they divorced in 1972. In 1976, he married boutique manager Dalia Danoch, and they divorced in 1978. In 1985, Belzer married actress Harlee McBride, with whom he has two step-daughters named Jessica and Bree. Belzer was a survivor of testicular cancer, a battle he fought and won in 1983. Following his time on "SVU," he moved to Bozouls, a commune in the south of France.
