Richard Jay Belzer (born August 4, 1944) is an American stand up comedian, writer, and actor, perhaps best known for his work as Det. John Munch, on Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

A social misfit, was kicked out of every school he ever attended, due to his uncontrollable wit. His mother (Frances) died of breast cancer when Richard was 18. His father (Charles) committed suicide when he was 22. A dedication is written to him in Richard Belzer's "UFO's, JFK, and Elvis: Conspiracies You Don't Have To Be Crazy To Believe" (Ballantine Books, 1999).