Richard Belzer returns to comedy roots

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- Actor Richard Belzer, from crime drama "SVU," will return to his comedic roots with an upcoming sketch-style comedy film titled "This is America."

"I think people are ready for a mirror to be held up to the culture in a really funny way, in a way the 'South Park' movie did or some of the Monty Python movies did, and really reflect culture, mores and politics," Belzer said in Thursday's Hollywood Reporter.

"I want this to be in the great tradition of satire and parody that I was brought up in, as were my friends," he said.

Belzer has enlisted the help of writer Larry Charles, known for directing and writing "Seinfeld" and "Mad About You," as well as newcomers Alan Donnes and Tanner Colby, who co-write "National Lampoon Radio Hour" with Belzer, which he also hosts.

One of Belzer's earliest works was the 1974 sketch comedy "The Groove Tube."

Belzer also is known for his work on the NBC crime series "Homicide: Life on the Street," in which he originated the Detective John Munch character he plays on "SVU."