Though best known to television audiences as John Munch, the sharp-tongued detective from “Homicide: Life On the Street” (NBC, 1993-99) and “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” (NBC, 1999- ), Richard Belzer’s career included a lengthy and respected stint as a stand-up comic, as well as stints as a television and radio talk show host, author, and producer. He was also a favorite guest on numerous TV talk shows for his acerbic and occasionally controversial statements, as well as for his noteworthy status as one of the most best known of all conspiracy buffs.

Born Richard Jay Belzer on Aug. 4,