Richard Belzer, comedian turned iconic TV cop on "Law & Order: SVU," is dead at 78

Richard Belzer, the comedian and actor best known for his role as Detective John Munch on the "Law & Order" franchise, has died at 78, Bill Scheft, a longtime family friend, confirmed to CBS News on Sunday.

Scheft said Belzer passed away surrounded by family in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, in the south of France. 

Belzer, a stand-up comedian with a devoted following, got his acting start in the 1974 film "The Groove Tube." He was also featured in early episodes of "Saturday Night Live."