Law & Order star Richard Belzer has been remembered by his co-star, Mariska Hargitay, following his death at 78.
The TV icon, who was best known playing Detective John Munch in the franchise, died on Sunday, his friend confirmed.
Following the news, tributes poured in for the late actor on social media, as fans and famous faces reminisced over his best moments.
During an appearance on the Today show, Hargitay couldn’t help but share some kind words for her former co-star.
‘What a heart and soul. He was family and taught me so much about taking risks, and creativity and trust,’ the Olivia Benson actress told Savannah Guthrie. ‘He brought so much joy to the set.
‘And, boy, did he love children. This acerbic, quick-witted, brilliant mind and yet he would melt in the sight of a child.
Richard Belzer died earlier this week at the age of 78 (Picture: Reuters)
‘He was just such a beautiful and complex [person]. It was such a privilege to know him.’
Hargitay previously made headlines when she shared a heartfelt tribute to Belzer on Instagram, reflecting on the time they spent together.
Mariska Hargitay paid tribute to Richard after his death (Picture: NBC)
The pair shared the screen together many times over the years (Picture: NBC)
‘Goodbye my dear, dear friend,’ she began. 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.’
Belzer’s death was first announced by former Saturday Night Live comic Laraine Newman, 70, who tweeted: ‘I’m so sad to hear of Richard Belzer’s passing. I loved this guy so much.
‘He was one of my first friends when I got to New York to do SNL.
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‘We used to go out to dinner every week at Sheepshead Bay for lobster.’
Although his cause of death has not yet been confirmed, pal Bill Scheft shared his explicit last words before he died.
Scheft told the Hollywood Reporter: ‘He had lots of health issues, and his last words were, “F**k you, motherf***er”.’
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‘It was such a privilege to know him.’
