Richard Belzer — well-known for his work on ‘Regulation & Order’ and within the standup comedy world — has died … this in response to his shut comedy friends.

Information about Belzer’s dying unfold like wildfire Sunday morning, with none apart from Laraine Newman — an authentic ‘SNL’ forged member, who labored alongside Belzer from the mid-’70s by means of the ’80s — confirming the most recent.

She wrote, “I am so unhappy to listen to of Richard Belzer’s passing. I liked this man a lot. He was certainly one of my first associates once I received to New York to do SNL. We used to exit to dinner each week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of many funniest folks ever. A grasp at crowd work. RIP dearest.”

Comic Marc Maron additionally despatched his condolences, calling him an authentic and “one of many greats.” Different tributes are pouring in from throughout showbiz, though particulars about his passing have not been formally launched simply but.

Belzer was most identified for portraying Det. John Munch on ‘Regulation & Order: SVU’, courting again to 1996. He’d starred in over 300 episodes of the fan-fave cop collection …  enjoying the quick-witted and razor-sharp Munch for a number of years. His character was written off in 2016.

His well-known police character had additionally existed even earlier than ‘SVU’ got here round … Munch had existed in one other TV universe — specifically, on the basic hit ‘Murder,’ the place he starred reverse Ned Beatty, Daniel Baldwin and different massive actors for seven straight seasons.

Previous to his stint in community TV, Belzer was a famend comic … as we talked about, he appeared on ‘SNL’ throughout its inception interval — however he additionally did numerous standup and sketch comedy on his personal, plus … he hosted selection exhibits/specials as nicely.

Past his esteemed work with Dick Wolf and co. … Belzer had a number of different performing credit underneath his belt. Another well-known exhibits he’d been on embody … “Moonlighting,” “Miami Vice,” “D.C. Follies,” “Monsters,” “The Flash,” “Nurses,” ‘Lois & Clark,’ “The X-Information,” “Arrested Growth,” “The Wire,” “30 Rock,” “American Dad” and plenty of, many extra.

His movie resume was spectacular too … he’d starred in “Scarface,” “Fame,” “Fletch Lives,” “The Bonfires of the Vanities,” “Species II,” “Man on the Moon,” “The Puppet Masters” and others.

The final we received Belzer on the street, he was taking pictures jokes from the hip … speaking conspiracy theories and exhibiting off that legendary dry humor he was identified for. Tremendous good man.

Belzer is survived by his spouse, Harlee, and his prolonged household. He was 78.