Richard Belzer’s journey from the busy streets of Hollywood to the peaceful French countryside with his wife Harlee McBride and their four beloved dogs is evidence of his desire for a simpler and more fulfilling life. Despite his acclaimed career as a comedian and actor, Belzer found solace in the tranquility of country life, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the unconditional love of his canine companions. As he gracefully moved into his later years, Belzer continued to leave a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and society at large, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to his craft and his passion for advocating for causes close to his heart, especially animal welfare. Richard Belzer’s legacy serves as an inspiration to all who strive to live authentically and positively change the world.
Richard Belzer has decided to leave the bright lights of Hollywood and the fast-paced world of “Law & Order” to live a quiet life in the French countryside.
He lived with his wife Harlee McBride and their four beloved dogs in a charming house surrounded by breathtaking countryside. Belzer credited his extended life to the company of his beloved canine companions.
Richard Belzer was a comedian and actor who made a lasting impression on the world of entertainment before he died in February 2023 at the age of 78. He is best known for his roles in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
As Belzer aged, he struggled with a number of health problems. His close friend Bill Scheft said his final moments were a mix of light-hearted banter and witty jokes. Belzer died at his home in Bozouls, France.
The mayor of their charming village, Jean-Luc Calmelly, praised the actor, acknowledging his fame not only as a star but also for his kind nature and charity work.
Several years before his death, Belzer said goodbye to Detective John Munch, one of his best-known roles on “SVU.” Acknowledging that it was difficult to say goodbye to Belzer’s role, executive producer Warren Leight said:
“We were trying to figure out how to deal with the fact that the NYPD has a real-world mandatory retirement of sixty-three years, which we’re very much trying to emulate.
The reason the NYPD does this is because 65-year-old men can’t chase men.”
Munch left his 21-year legacy on “SVU” with a story that still begs to be explored in new territory, even after leaving the police department and seamlessly transitioning to the district attorney’s office as an investigator.
Barry Levinson, the executive producer of “Homicide: Life on the Street”, expressed similar admiration for Richard Belzer’s portrayal of the role. He was particularly interested in Belzer’s way of speaking.
Born in Connecticut on August 4, 1944, Belzer lived out his final years with his wife, Harlee McBride, in the bucolic countryside of France.
In 1993, Munch made his television debut on “Murder: Life on the Street”. After seven years of playing the role, Belzer and his wife celebrated the cancellation of the show with champagne. Little did they know that Munch’s influence would last very long.
The renowned character appeared in the first season of “Law & Order” In addition to “Arrested Development,” “The Beat,” “The Wire,” “30 Rock,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury” and even “Sesame Street,” he returned with Belzer for his role in these television series.
Fortunately, Belzer has formed a bond with his fictitious persona. It reminds me a lot of who I used to be. Belzer said, “Having a figure like yours is very pleasant and luxurious.” In 2016, he last appeared in “Law & Order: SVU” as Munch.
Richard Belzer was remembered in a heartfelt statement on the official “Law & Order” Twitter page following his death. The post celebrated Belzer’s lasting legacy and expressed grief at his loss. The report in the post said:
“Anyone who had the pleasure of watching Richard Belzer portray the Child. John Munch will never forget how much he lived in this beloved character to make it his own.”
Richard Belzer, who was born in Connecticut on August 4, 1944, spent his last years with his wife, Harlee McBride, in the quiet French countryside.
Belzer was unconscious and in need of stitches when wrestler Hulk Hogan accidentally choked him during a chat show in 1985, leading to their choice to go to France.
McBride was born on November 20, 1948, and is also an actor and producer. She and her husband have a long experience together in the cinema. In the 1990s, she co-starred with Belzer in “Homicide: Life on the Street” as Dr. Alyssa Dyer.
After marrying in 1985, Belzer was previously married to Dalia Gnoch and Gail Susan Ross. He was now married to McBride. McBride was also previously married to actor Garth Benton.
Although they were not biologically related, Belzer adopted McBride’s children, Jessica Erin Benton and Shannon Bree Benton, as his own.
According to Belzer, their migration to France after the Hulk Hogan incident was crucial; the severity of the problem and the legal impact ultimately resulted in a settlement that allowed them to leave.
They live in a small village in Bozouls and their property was confirmed with a residence permit in 2021 and turned into a permanent retreat.
Belzer successfully fit into the neighborhood despite their limited ability to communicate in their native language.
Belzer and McBride took comfort in the presence of their four dogs, who were treated like valued members of the family in their rustic French home. Their affection was evident on social media, where their animal friends often appeared.
Their bucolic retreat, which embodied their dreamy French country life, was located peacefully near the old church of Sainte Fauste, amidst the beautiful scenery of the Roquefort cheese region.
Fans have praised Belzer’s home, which has appeared in several looks, for its quiet charm. The picturesque church appeared now and then in the background of their family portraits.
Belzer’s home was surrounded by colorful flowers, vines, and lush trees, including roses. The beauty of the natural world radiated from him. His wife’s love of gardening was evident when Belzer tweeted pictures of McBride in her garden, even in the dead of winter.
A great pile of pieces of wood was prepared for the cold days and nights; Belzer jokingly shared this information along with a picture of their tidy inventory, slyly pointing out his modest contribution to the piece.
For Belzer and McBride, happiness came from their four beloved dogs more than from the material comforts of their home. As seen in their social media posts, these furry friends often participated in their activities and were beloved members of the family.
To unwind, the couple often lounged in their pool with a glass of cold wine and their dogs by their sides, enjoying what Belzer affectionately called a “pool party.”
One famous pet, Bebe, a poodle/fox terrier mix, was a valued sidekick who often accompanied Belzer to red carpet-events. Bebe appeared on the set of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” where the devoted dog was welcomed with open arms by the staff and cast, adding to the festive mood with his charming antics.
Belzer said Bebe was largely responsible for his emotional balance and longevity, attributing his composure to his devoted friend who naturally calmed his volatile nature. Their relationship went beyond a simple pet dynamic as it was based on mutual love and similar experiences.
Belzer and McBride also welcomed three more dogs into their loving family: Tulip, Django, and Lacey. All the dogs added to the warmth and energy of their home except Bebe.
In addition to supporting the North Shore Animal League and other non-profit organizations, Belzer also advocated for animal welfare and supported causes that were near and dear to his heart. His charitable activities have included concerns about gun control and aggression, demonstrating his determination to bring about constructive transformation in the community.
Belzer had a difficult childhood filled with loss and hardship in his family, yet he overcame these obstacles to build a resilient and creative career. From his early comedy days to his legendary portrayal of Detective Munch, he made a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and society at large.
Belzer has left a lasting legacy that transcends time and place by sharing his dissenting opinion with audiences through his writings and performances.
His lasting influence is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft and his great influence on everyone he came in contact with.
Richard Belzer’s decision to step away from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and the intense world of “Law & Order” to lead a quiet life in the French countryside with his wife, Harlee McBride, speaks volumes about his priorities and values. Despite his significant contribution to the entertainment industry, Belzer found true contentment in the simplicity of country life and the company of his beloved dogs. His legacy extends far beyond his iconic screen roles to include his advocacy for animal welfare and his commitment to making positive changes in society. Richard Belzer’s lasting impact on the entertainment world and his unwavering commitment to his principles serve as an inspiration to many, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for years to come.