Actor Richard Belzer poses for photographers at the premiere of the film 'V for Vendetta' in New York March 13, 2006.
Actor Richard Belzer, best known for his role on the beloved crime procedural "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," died at the age of 78 on Sunday, NBC confirmed in a statement Sunday.
"Anyone who ever had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray Det.
It was the first time he'd appear as John Munch , a detective that would soon become synonymous with Belzer.
Mariska Hargitay, who portrays Benson, said on her Instagram Sunday that she loved Belzer, "now and forever."