Mariska Hargitay Mourns Loss of Richard Belzer in Tear-Jerking Post

Hargitay joined other 'Law & Order: SVU' cast members in paying tribute to Belzer.

After Law & Order: Special Victims Unit veteran actor Richard Belzer's death, many fans and friends started sharing tributes to him, with Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay the latest to share her feelings on the news.

Hargitay, who knew Belzer for decades, posted an emotional and moving message to her former co-star and friend on Instagram.

The actress wrote to Belzer, "Goodbye my dear, dear friend. I will miss you, your unique light, and your singular take on this strange world."

She went on, "I feel blessed to have known you and adored you and worked with you, side by side, for so many years. How lucky the angels are to have you. I can hear them laughing already. I love you so very much, now and forever."

At the top of the post is Belzer's name and the years 1944 to 2023, representing his lifetime.

Both Hargitay and Belzer were original cast members of Law & Order: SVU when it started in 1999, with Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson and Belzer as Detective John Munch.

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Hargitay still stars in the series, while Belzer appeared in Seasons 1 through 15. He also returned for a final appearance in 2016 during Season 17.

Many other stars shared support for Hargitay on the Instagram post, with Modern Family's Ariel Winter, singer and actress Kathryn Gallagher, and actress Jennifer Esposito, who appeared in a few episodes of the original Law & Order series early in her career, all commenting below.

Ryan Buggle, who plays Hargitay's character's son, Noah Benson, on Law & Order: SVU, also commented a red heart on the post. Unfortunately, Buggle didn't have the chance to act alongside the late legend, as he started on the show after Belzer retired.

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Hargitay joins other Law & Order: SVU cast members in paying tribute to Belzer, including Christopher Meloni, who shared throwback photos and wrote, "Good bye mon ami. I love you," and Vincent D'Onofrio, who starred in Law & Order: Criminal Intent for many years and shared a sincere anecdote about Belzer's kindness and authenticity.

Belzer may be gone, but his legacy will be carried on by those who knew him best: his Law & Order family.

R.I.P.