Ice-T And More 'Law & Order' Co-Stars Speak On Richard Belzer's Death: 'I'll Miss You Homie'

Ice-T and his co-stars are mourning the loss of Richard Belzer!

For over twenty years, the late actor portrayed the character of NYPD detective John Munch on the "Law & Order" television franchise before his passing. The rapper, alongside co-stars from the show, expressed their grief and condolences on social media.

After becoming a part of the show's cast when the show first premiered in 1999, Belzer cemented his legacy by showing off his distinctive wit, humor, and charm. He also formed a bond with his numerous co-stars, who were heartbroken and shocked when the news of his death broke on Sunday. 

To express his grief, Ice-T, who played the character of Detective Odafin Tutuola on the long-running NBC series, shared a tweet reflecting on their years of friendship and collaboration. The rapper shared a picture of him and the deceased star standing side by side with a tribute that read:

"Highs and Lows… After one of the most amazing weeks of my life. I wake up to the news I lost my friend today. Belz is gone.. Damn it! But remember this..' When you ARE having real fun and are Truly Happy. ENJOY it to the fullest! Cause Pain is inevitably coming.' I'll miss you, Homie ?."

In the meantime, Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson, posted a heart-tugging tribute to her Instagram page. At the top of the post was Belzer's name and the years 1944 to 2023, representing his lifetime. The message read:

"Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world. I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years. How lucky the angels are to have you. I can hear them laughing already. I love you so very much, now and forever."

Christopher Meloni also joined in paying tribute to their fallen colleague by sharing a throwback picture on his Instagram page. The caption read, "Richard "The Belz" Belzer. A beautiful soul, a dapper dresser, with the spirit of a child. Never met anyone like him, and I never will again. Ur last words have helped make ur passing easier to take." 

Former "SVU" showrunner Warren Leight tweeted a video of Belzer and Hargitay in character from 2016 as part of his tribute. Above the video, he penned:

"Richard Belzer was the first actor to welcome me when I started at SVU. Open, warm, acerbic, whip-smart, surprisingly kind. I loved writing for Munch, and I loved being with Belz. We sensed this would be his parting scene. Godspeed, Belz.." 

Kelli Giddish, who just left the show after 12 seasons, retweeted Leight's post.  

Belzar's longtime friend, writer Bill Scheft told Hollywood Reporter that he died at his home in Bozouls, southwest France, on Sunday after battling several health issues. He also shared his last words, "Fu*k you, motherfu*ker."

Born on August 4, 1944, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, his comedic inclination resulted from an abusive childhood that he shared with his older brother, Len, as their mother used to beat them.

He disclosed to PEOPLE in 1993 that he had to make his mother laugh in the kitchen to avoid getting beaten. Belzer's humor also caused trouble in the classroom, leading to his expulsion from Massachusetts' Dean Junior College for organizing on-campus protests. 

Best known for his roles in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Mare of Easttown," he passed away at 65 after bravely fighting two aggressive forms of cancer - cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. 

The Blast reported that the late actor's wife Patricia confirmed the news of his demise and expressed her grief in a heartfelt statement. She highlighted the strength and determination of her husband, writing:

"As Ned would say, he was attacked by two very rare assassins — cholangiocarcinoma and ocular melanoma. Over the course of two years, he bravely fought the cancers in private while continuing to work in show business to ensure that his medical coverage paid for himself and his family."

Born and raised in New York City, he landed his first Hollywood film role in 1980 and went on to appear in several major movies, including "Million Dollar Baby," "Last Man Standing," "Flags of Our Fathers," and "Limitless."