Richard Belzer, the comedian and actor known for “Law & Order,” has passed away.

He was 78.

Belzer died early Sunday at his home in Bozouls in southwest France, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The report said a source told THR, “He had lots of health issues.”

A prolific comic for many years, Belzer gained fame playing Detective John Munch on the television series “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Homicide: Life on the Street.”

Born in Bridgeport, Conn., Belzer began working as a stand-up comedian by performing at The Improv and Catch a Rising Star in New York City.

He also worked as an audience warm-up comedian for NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”

Belzer made several television appearances on well-known shows like “Sesame Street,” “Miami Vice,” “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” and “The X-Files.”

He appeared in the films “Scarface,” “Fletch Lives,” “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” “Mad Dog and Glory” and “Get on the Bus.”

In 1985, during a segment promoting the first-ever “WrestleMania” on his cable television talk show “Hot Properties,” Belzer asked guest and wrestling star Hulk Hogan to demonstrate some moves before putting the host in a front chin-lock, causing him to pass out. Belzer injured his head and later sued Hogan and settled out of court. He discussed the incident with Bob Costas.

Fellow comedians and other performers paid tribute to Belzer via Twitter.

Billy Crystal tweeted, “Richard Belzer was simply hilarious. A genius at handling a crowd. So sad he’s passed away.”

Patton Oswalt tweeted, “Aw goddamit, RIP Richard Belzer. I just always thought he’d be around ‘cause it seemed like he always was. A true original.”

Marc Maron wrote, “Richard Belzer died. He was an original. One of the greats, babe. I loved the guy. RIP.”

“Saturday Night Live” alum Laraine Newman 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. 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.”

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