Chris Meloni kisses Richard Belzer on the cheek in 2001

Who doesn’t love an adorable throwback photo? How about two of them?

Law and Order: SVU Fans will be pleased to know that we’ve dug up a few photos that will instantly put anyone in a better mood. During the Friars Club Roast To Richard Belzer event in June 2001, cameras caught Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni partying with Belzer.

Belzer died in February 2023 at the age of 78 and appeared in 326 episodes as the iconic Det. Munch. Following his death, Hargitay was one of many people who offered a tearful farewell to the beloved actor.

“Goodbye my dear, dear friend,” she wrote on her Instagram page. “I will miss you, your unique light and your unique perspective on this strange world. I feel blessed to have known you, adored you and worked side by side with you for so many years. How lucky the angels are to have you. I can already hear them laughing. I love you so much, now and forever.”

RELATED: The late Richard Belzer’s final scene as Munch on SVU was so emotional

The throwback photos show the three legendary actors – who were in the middle of filming the third season of SVU – were beaming. Belzer giving his co-star a playful kiss on the cheek on camera is the kind of cast bonding that everyone loves to see. After all, a great cast loves being together, whether the TV cameras are rolling or not!

Not to be outdone, however, Meloni decided to up the ante with an equally adorable photo op, giving Belzer a big kiss while Hargitay beamed in the background!

Judging by their smiles, Belzer, Hargitay and Meloni clearly had a great time at the event. It’s clear that Belzer was honored both on and off the stage that night.

Richard Belzer left Law & Order: SVU after season 15

Belzer – who played the famous Senior Det. John Munch since the series began in 1999 – left the show after 15 unforgettable seasons, ending his full-time commitment to the law and order Universe, although he made an emotional return for one episode in Season 16.

For all those who want to reminisce, there is the official law and order The YouTube channel has an excellent retrospective of the first and last scenes of many of the actors in the series that is definitely worth watching.