Richard Belzer, famous for role as Det. Munch on ‘Law & Order’ has died. Here’s what we know

Richard Belzer, famous for his role as Detective John Munch on television’s top cop shows, has died.

He was 78.

The Hollywood Reporter said that Belzer died early Sunday at his home in Bozouls in southwest France, and that his friend, writer Bill Scheft, said he had been battling “lots of health issues.”

Belzer played Much on “Homicide: Life on the Street,” and “Law and Order: SVU,” as well as several other shows.

Bezler was also known as a colorful stand-up comic, but for many the length and broad list of appearances by his Munch character stands out. The Hollywood Reporter said “his hold on the character lasted longer than James Arness’ on “Gunsmoke,” and Kelsey Grammer’s on “Cheers” and “Frasier.”

The character was reportedly based on a real-life Baltimore detective, and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” producer Barry Levinston said he heard an appearance by Belzer on “The Howard Stern Show,” and liked him enough to bring him in for an audition.

Belzer wound up appearing in all seven seasons of “Homicide,” and then moved over to the “Law and Order” series.

Belzer, a native of Connecticut, reportedly turned to comedy following an abusive childhood.

“I had to make my mom life or I’d get my ass kicked,” he told People magazine in 1993.

He also appeared on Saturday Night Live and was once, famously, choked out — he said near death — by Hulk Hogan.

He also had appearances in “The Wire,” “The X-Files,” “Arrested Development,” and “30 Rock” among his long list of credits.

Belzer was also a conspiracy theorist who authored several books on conspiracies.