Richard Belzer, a comedian with a sharp tongue and a penchant for insult humor, emerged as a distinctive voice in the world of stand-up. John Belushi once hailed him as "the best I've ever seen working directly with an audience," a testament to Belzer's prowess in engaging with live crowds. Known for his acerbic wit, People magazine noted that as an "insult" comic, Belzer was to Don Rickles what a buzz saw is to pinking shears. This reputation, coupled with his icy delivery and challenging sneer, earned him a cult following among comedy's biggest names. Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Belzer's early years were anything but idyllic. His mother's physical abuse imprinted on him, as he would later recall, calling the kitchen in his house "the toughest room I ever worked." His sharp wit, often uncomfortable for those around him, led to him being asked to leave every school he attended. His late teens were equally troubled, as he faced difficulties in college and was released from the Army for being "non-adaptable to military service" after faking a beating while on guard duty. Working various jobs, including as a reporter for the Bridgeport Post, a teacher, a census-taker, a jewelry salesman, and a dockworker, Belzer's personal life was tumultuous. He experienced the suicide of his father and endured two failed marriages, while also struggling with heroin use. Despite his rocky journey, Belzer's career in comedy slowly took shape. In 1971, he auditioned for "The Groove Tube," later appearing in the movie version. This period marked the beginning of his foray into show business, despite his fears. As the MC at "Catch a Rising Star" from 1972 to 1978, Belzer honed his craft in a challenging environment, using humor as a weapon against indifferent audiences. Although many comics of his era vaulted to stardom, Belzer faced a more gradual rise, engaging in projects like WNBC's "Brink and Belzer," "The Thicke of the Night," and making an appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1982. His own TV ventures included the Cinemax series "Richard Belzer Show" and the talk show "Hot Properties" in 1985. Married for the third time and raising two teenage daughters from a previous marriage, Belzer's outlook softened slightly in the late 1980s. He entertained audiences with his Ronald Reagan parody and imagined an elderly Bob Dylan in a clever routine. However, his sardonic edge remained intact, as seen in his quip about President George Bush in 1988. Balancing nightclub performances with occasional film roles, Belzer also authored "How To Be a Stand-Up Comic," blending humor with practical advice for aspiring comedians. Honored by his peers, Belzer became the first comedian to be roasted by the NY Friars Club during the Toyota Comedy Festival, an event open to the public. His career reached broader audiences with his role on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," allowing him a balance of life between New York and France with his wife, actress Harlee McBride. Belzer's journey through comedy reveals a life shaped by challenges, sharp humor, and an undeniable impact on the comedic landscape.