Richard Belzer, who after being a stand-up comedian, became John Munch in “Homicide: Life on the Street” and “Law & Order: SVU,” died Sunday in southern France. He was 78. His longtime friend Bill Scheft had been working on a documentary about Belzer, and he said there was no known cause of death, but that Belzer had been dealing with circulatory and respiratory issues. Henry Winkler, Belzer’s cousin, tweeted, “Rest in peace Richard.” Belzer is survived by his third wife, the actress Harlee McBride, whom he married in 1985. For the past 20 years, they lived mostly in France, in homes he purchased partially from the proceeds of a lawsuit with Hulk Hogan. In 1985, Belzer had Hogan as a guest on his cable TV talk show “Hot Properties” to perform a chin-lock on him. Belzer passed out, hit his head and sued Hogan for $5 million. They settled out of court.
Country singer nicknames:
1. King George: George Strait
2. Man in Black: Johnny Cash
3. Chief: Eric Church
4. Toad: Blake Shelton
5. Big Dog Daddy: Toby Keith
6. The Gambler: Kenny Rogers
7. Duckman: Riley Green
8. Possum: George Jones
9. The Hag: Merle Haggard
10. Bocephus: Hank Williams Junior
Jelly Roll announced his upcoming Backroad Baptism tour with a video FaceTiming his tourmates. In it he spoofs those old Budweiser “Wazzup” commercials. He’ll be joined by Ashley McBryde, Chase Rice, Yelawolf, Elle King, and Three 6 Mafia on select dates. Tickets go on sale Friday.
Shania Twain said it’s a blessing to not know what the future holds while on CMT’s “Hot 20 Countdown”. She said it’s brave to take a leap of faith when you don’t know what you’re up against. If she fully understood how difficult the music industry would be, she said it might’ve stopped her from trying.
Jason Isbell released a trailer teasing an upcoming album of, quote, “life and death songs played for and by grown-a** people.” It was narrated by ESPN writer Wright Thompson. It shows Jason in the studio with his band, The 400 Unit. He didn’t announce a release date.
The Nashville Soccer Club will honor Johnny Cash with a new uniform. They’ll be worn Saturday for the first time. They were designed with his estate and his son, John Carter Cash. They’re all black with Johnny’s signature on the back collar and his portrait is on the tag.
Blanket Jackson is 21. Real name: Prince Michael Jackson II. He’s the one Michael Jackson dangled off a balcony in 2002.
Sophie Turner is 27
Corbin Bleu is 34. Disney’s “High School Musical” and “Jump In!” He was also on “Dancing with the Stars” and finished second to “Glee’s” Amber Riley.
Ashley Greene is 36. Alice Cullen in the “Twilight” movies.
Charlotte Church is 37.
Jennifer Love Hewitt is 44.
Billy Baldwin is 60. Alec, Daniel and Stephen’s brother.
Christopher Atkins is 62. ’80s stud from “The Blue Lagoon”.
Mary Chapin Carpenter is 65.
Kelsey Grammer is 68. Frasier Crane on “Cheers” and “Frasier”.
Tyne Daly is 77. Maxine Gray on “Judging Amy” and Mary Beth Lacey on “Cagney & Lacey”.
