Richard Belzer on Tavis and Maher this past week, videos

By April MacIntyre Oct 11, 2009, 19:36 GMT

Interesting take on current affairs, from Richard Belzer here with his partner - © Anthony G. Moore / PR Photos

Actor Richard Belzer made some interesting comments this past week on HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" and Tavis Smiley's PBS show.

Richard Belzer is an actor, comedian and author, and he appeared on PBS’ “Tavis Smiley” and spoke out about the media storm surrounding David Letterman’s affair.

Belzer also discussed his career in show business and his new book, I Am Not A Psychic!

During the interview with Tavis, Belzer commented on Letterman’ recent affair: “David has always been thought of this cold kind of guy, but when the chips were down, 9/11, Johnny’s death, his son, you could see the humanity. You could see it. So in this, I think, you could see his anguish. It wasn’t a bright thing to do. But,  that’s humanity. He did it before Harry was born, I’m not condoning it. And he said himself, he’s got a lot of work to do at home. So...it’s not like he was on the Appalachian Trail, like he said, or had someone his daughter’s age service him. ...this is different. It’s not condonable, but it’s reparable.”

On his "Real Time" panel interview, Belzer gives his take on the creation of the Fed, and its far-reaching implications, including his opinion that the Fed is connected to the assassination of JFK.

Belzer is best known as Det. John Munch—the longest-running character on the primetime drama, "Law & Order: SVU."  He played the same character in a previous detective series, "Homicide: Life On The Street."

Belzer’s talent has been featured in off-Broadway productions, radio and film.

Belzer admitted to Tavis he was asked to leave every school he ever attended and has drawn his comedic material from previous jobs as a reporter, teacher, census-taker, jewelry salesman and dockworker.

A Connecticut native, Belz has written several books, including I Am Not a Psychic!, the second in a series of novels.

Belzer currently splits his time between New York and France with his wife, Harlee McBride.

Tavis Smiley PBS interview:

Real Time with Bill Maher: