Richard Belzer is best known as Detective John Munch on “Law & Order: SVU,” but he has appeared as that character on at least nine different series, demolishing the previous record of six held by George Wendt and John Ratzenberger, who reprised Norm and Cliff, their “Cheers” characters, on “Frasier,” “The Tortellis,” “The Simpsons,” “Wings,” and “St. Elsewhere.”
Munch debuted in 1993 on the show “Homicide: Life on the Street,” which was based on a book by David Simon (“The Wire”). “Homicide” and “Law & Order” did a few crossover episodes over the years, and Munch permanently “transferred” to the “L&O” franchise, and “SVU” in 1999.
He also appeared on “L&O’s” flagship show and “Trial by Jury,” and on shows including “The X-Files” and UPN’s short-lived “The Beat.”
Casting John Munch became a prestigious easter egg gift for viewers. In a late episode of “The Wire,” Belzer was seen in the background at a bar, talking about how he had “owned a bar once” — as Munch had on “Homicide” which, like “The Wire,” was based in Baltimore. On “Arrested Development,” Munch appeared as a scrapbooking professor — which was really his role in an undercover “scrapbooking sting” — accompanied by a muted version of “L&O’s” infamous “dun DUN!” sound.
Assuming “SVU” lasts, Munch is poised to make history. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) and Matt Dillon (James Arness) both had 20-year runs. Another year or two and John Munch will surpass them to become the longest-running character played by the same actor in prime-time.