Richard Belzer of 'Law and Order' fame dies: reports

(KTLA) - Richard Belzer, who for more than 20 years portrayed the cynical and conspiratorial-minded John Munch in the "Law and Order" franchise, has died. He was 78.

The news of his death was first shared by actress Laraine Newman, an original cast member of "Saturday Night Live."

"I'm so sad to hear of Richard Belzer's passing. I loved this guy so much.," Newman wrote on Twitter. "He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL. We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster. One of the funniest people ever. A master at crowd work. RIP dearest."

Writer Bill Scheft told The Hollywood Reporter Belzer, who had experienced "lots of health issues," died at his home in the southwest of France early Sunday.

Belzer served as the warm-up comedian for the sketch comedy series for years before breaking out as one of television's most iconic law enforcement characters.