Mariska Hargitay Speaks Fondly of ‘Brilliant’ Richard Belzer Days After His Death: ‘He Was Family’
Mariska Hargitay, the star of “Law & Order: SVU,” is opening up about the softer side of her late friend and co-star, Richard Belzer, who passed away at the age of 78. Hargitay shared heartfelt memories and reflections during an appearance on the Today show, as she and the cast mourn the loss of a beloved colleague.
A Heart and Soul
“What a heart and soul,” Hargitay, 59, told Savannah Guthrie. “He was family and taught me so much about taking risks and creativity and trust, and he brought so much joy to the set.”
Hargitay recalled Belzer’s dual nature: “He was this acerbic, quick-witted, brilliant mind, and yet he would melt in the sight of a child.” She added, “He was just such a beautiful and complex person, and it was such a privilege to know him.”
A Touching Tribute
Hargitay first expressed her grief in an Instagram tribute, captioned with a broken heart emoji. “Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world,” she wrote. “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 love you so very much, now and forever,” she concluded.
Fellow Co-Star’s Goodbye
Christopher Meloni, another “SVU” star, shared his own tributes on Twitter. He posted a photo of Hargitay feeding Belzer on set and another of himself kissing Belzer on the cheek, captioned, “Good bye mon ami. I love you,” along with the hashtag #TheBelz.
A Peaceful Passing
Belzer’s family revealed that the actor died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, France, with his wife Harlee McBride and oldest daughter by his side. They shared an exclusive statement with PEOPLE, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and support.
“We are overwhelmed with the beautiful and heartfelt memories, admirations, and love from Richard’s family, friends, acquaintances, and admirers,” the family wrote. “It has been truly helpful for us, his family, in traversing through this challenging time. So thank you.”
The statement explained the delay in addressing his passing, noting that while Belzer had several health issues, his decline was sudden and unexpected. “His youngest daughter was unable to be there with us, but will be joining us soon,” they added.
The family concluded, “We so appreciate the outpouring of support from all of our family and friends. And thank you so much for those of you that have been so respectful of our need for privacy and solace during this difficult time.”
A Legacy Remembered
Richard Belzer’s legacy on “Law & Order: SVU” and beyond is remembered fondly by those who knew him best. His sharp wit, brilliant mind, and tender heart touched countless lives, leaving a lasting impact on his friends, family, and fans. As Mariska Hargitay so eloquently put it, “How lucky the angels are to have you.”
News
Colin Kaepernick is adding to the list of NFL stars helping him train for his comeback
Justin FieldsTrains With Kap At Morehouse College… In New Workout Video Colin Kaepernick is adding to the list of NFL stars helping the quarterback train for his NFL comeback … this time it’s Justin Fields, Tyrod Taylor, and Josh Dobbs! 34-year-old Kap previously linked up…
Harrison Butker OUTSELLS team-mate Travis Kelce in NFL merch – as his popularity spikes in the wake of controversial ‘homemaker’ speech
Harrison Butker OUTSELLS team-mate Travis Kelce in NFL merch – as his popularity spikes in the wake of controversial ‘homemaker’ speech Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker sold more NFL merchandise than Travis Kelce in the wake of his controversial commencement speech earlier…
Megyn Kelly and Candace Owens Sign $400 Million Deal with CBS for Morning Show to Rival ‘The View’
Iп a move that has left both faпs aпd critics alike bυzziпg, Megyп Kelly aпd Caпdace Oweпs have reportedly iпked a jaw-droppiпg $400 millioп deal with CBS to host a пew morпiпg show set to directly rival ABC’s The View….
Breakiпg News: Simoпe Biles Calls for Swift Actioп Agaiпst Those Who Kпeel Dυriпg the Natioпal Aпthem
The debate is fυrther complicated by the broader cυltυral aпd political coпtext. Iп receпt years, the Uпited States has beeп deeply polarized over issυes of race,ideпtity, aпd patriotism. The act of kпeeliпg dυriпg the aпthem has become a flashpoiпt iп…
Coach Tomliп has made it clear he will пot participate iп the NFL’s ‘Pride Night,’ firmly statiпg, “Never iп a millioп years.”
Iп a move that has seпt shockwaves throυgh both the sports world aпd the broader cυltυral laпdscape, the Pittsbυrgh Steelers have officially refυsed to participate iп aп υpcomiпg Pride Night eveпt, claimiпg that the celebratioп is “extremely woke.” The decisioп,…
Harrison Butker Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize After Historic Speech: “We Stand With Him”
The speech, which sparked sigпificaпt debate aпd drew widespread atteпtioп, has пow positioпed Bυtker as a promiпeпt figυre iп the global coпversatioп oп free speech aпd traditioпal valυes. Dυriпg the Class of 2024 gradυatioп ceremoпy at Beпedictiпe College, Bυtker delivered…
End of content
No more pages to load