Comedian and actor Richard Belzer has died at the age of 78.

Belzer died at his home in southern France.

He is best known for playing Detective John Munch on “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law and Order: S-V-U.”

He portrayed Det. Munch for 22 consecutive seasons on Homicide (7 seasons) and Law & Order: SVU (15 seasons).

He never auditioned for the part. Producer Barry Levinson heard him on the radio and asked him to read for the part of Munch.

Tributes continue to pourin for Belzer, including from his cousin, actor Henry Winkler, who says, “Rest in peace Richard.”