They’re Dropping Like 200-lb. Flies in hollywood—Fast and Noisy: Richard Belzer Books an Appearance on The Afterlife Tonight Show—at 78

[Previously: “Saving Private Ryan Star [sic] Tom Sizemore in Critical Condition.”]

By Grand Rapids Anonymous
monday, february 20, 2023 at 12:55:00 a.m. est

GRA: I read a few testimonials from celebrities about how great Richard Belzer was as a stand-up comedian—quick, caustic, smart—just one thing: I was never witness to any of it.

I heard rumors over the years, but I never actually saw him on a talk show—let alone perform legendary material (like Carlin).

He WAS a regular on one of my favorite shows—Law and Order SVU—the years the show was excellent (2000-2011) as Detective Munch. He was a super-liberal, as well.

End of obit—Johnny Carson is waiting for some of that great comedy, sir.

--GRA

N.S.: Ditto, regarding the allegations about Belzer, GRA. I, too, never witnessed him doing hilarious work.

My favorite Richard Belzer memory features someone else: the late, great Ned Beatty as the partner (Stanley Bolander—I didn’t look it up) of Homicide Det. John Munch. I believe it was from the premiere of Homicide: Life on the Streets, which for two or three years was on the short list for the best drama on TV.

(In early 1995, I pitched an article to new york times editor Constance “Connie” Rosenbloom on TV’s dramatic renaissance, featuring Homicide, Picket Fences, Law & Order, and maybe a fourth series. She stole my pitch, and immediately passed it on to the times’ top features writer, Charles “Chip” McGrath. About two weeks after she got my pitch, Rosenbloom sent me a form rejection letter. Meanwhile, three months to the day after she received my pitch, McGrath’s long essay was the cover story in the new york times magazine.)

Anyway, to make a short story long, in the Homicide episode, Stan the Man Bolander is walking around the Homicide Division, saying his partner’s name to himself out loud in different manners, none of them complimentary: “Munch, John Munch, Det. John Munch...”

I apologize for not promptly posting this item, GRA. I’ve been searching through old comments of late.