Who Is Richard Belzer? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Belzer was born on August 4, 1944, and passed away in 2023. Known for his unique brand of stand-up comedy and his notable role as Detective John Munch on the television series Homicide: Life on the Street and later on Law & Order: SVU, Belzer was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry for decades. In 2025, he is remembered not just for his work but also for his influential voice in comedy and activism.
| Occupation | Stand-up Comedians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 4, 1944 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | France |
| Date of death | 19 February, 2023 |
| Died Place | Bozouls, France |
Popularity
Richard Belzer's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his active years, Richard Belzer stood at approximately 6 feet tall (183 cm) and weighed around 160 pounds (73 kg). His lean physique and distinctive bald head became part of his signature look, making him easily recognizable in both comedic acts and dramatic performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Richard Belzer was married three times throughout his life. His most publicized marriage was to actress Harlee McBride, which lasted from 1985 until his passing. Known for his straightforward and often irreverent style, Belzer had meaningful relationships and remained close to his family despite the rigors of fame.
He described his mother as frequently physically abusive, and he declared that his comedy career began when trying to make her laugh to distract her from abusing him and his brother. After graduating from Fairfield Warde High School, Belzer worked as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2023, Richard Belzer's estimated net worth was around $16 million. His wealth was accrued through various avenues including acting roles, stand-up performances, and book deals. His legacy continues to impact the entertainment industry, with many remembering him as one of the pioneering comedic voices of his generation.
On March 27, 1985, four days before the first WrestleMania, Belzer repeatedly requested on his TV talk show Hot Properties that professional wrestler Hulk Hogan demonstrate a wrestling move. Hogan applied a front facelock, which caused Belzer to pass out, and he hit the back of his head on the floor when released.
After waking up, Belzer was dazed, lacerated and briefly hospitalized. He later sued Hogan for $5 million and settled out of court for $400,000 in 1990. Belzer refers to the settlement in his 1997 HBO stand-up special Another Lone Nut, revealing it helped him pay for a home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer called the "Chez Hogan" or "Hulk Hogan Estate".
Career, Business and Investments
Richard Belzer had a diverse career that spanned over five decades. He began in stand-up comedy, eventually transitioning into acting where he found significant success on television. In addition to his performances, Belzer authored several books and was involved in various ventures. His career gave him opportunities to engage in advocacy, particularly around issues he was passionate about, including political activism.
In addition to his film career, Belzer was a featured player on the National Lampoon Radio Hour with co-stars John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Harold Ramis, a half-hour comedy program aired on 600 plus U.S. radio stations from 1973 to 1975.
Several of his sketches were released on National Lampoon albums, drawn from the Radio Hour, including several bits in which he portrayed a pithy call-in talk show host named "Dick Ballantine".
Social Network
Though Richard Belzer has passed away, his legacy lives on through various social media platforms where fans continue to celebrate his work and contributions. His insights and humor still resonate with followers on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, where fans share quotes and clips from his performances and reaffirm his impact on comedy and drama.
Education
Richard Belzer was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, where he studied theater, honing his craft for performance. His educational background laid the groundwork for his successful career in the entertainment industry.
