John Belushi

John Belushi

Name	John Belushi
Birth name
Birth date	January 24, 1949
Birth place	Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Death date	March 5, 1982
Death place	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma mater
Occupation	Actor, comedian, musician
Years active	1972–1982
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)	Judith Belushi Pisano
Website

John Adam Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was an American actor, comedian, and musician. He was one of the original cast members of the television show Saturday Night Live (SNL) and became known for his energetic and intense comedic style. Belushi also starred in several films, including Animal House and The Blues Brothers.

Early Life

John Belushi was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Agnes Demetri (née Samaras) and Adam Anastos Belushi, who were Albanian immigrants. He grew up in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, Illinois, and attended Wheaton Central High School. Belushi was known for his charisma and leadership skills, serving as the captain of the football team and president of the student council.

Career

Early Career

Belushi began his career in comedy at the Second City in Chicago, a renowned improvisational comedy troupe. His work there led to his involvement with the National Lampoon Radio Hour, where he honed his skills in sketch comedy and satire.

Saturday Night Live

In 1975, Belushi joined the cast of Saturday Night Live, a new late-night comedy show on NBC. He quickly became one of the show's most popular performers, known for his characters such as the "Samurai Futaba" and his impersonations of celebrities like Joe Cocker. His work on SNL earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977.

Film Career

Belushi's film career took off with his role as John "Bluto" Blutarsky in the 1978 comedy Animal House. The film was a massive success and became a cultural phenomenon. He followed this with roles in 1941 (1979), The Blues Brothers (1980), and Continental Divide (1981).

The Blues Brothers, co-starring Dan Aykroyd, was based on a musical sketch from SNL and became a cult classic. Belushi and Aykroyd also released an album as The Blues Brothers, which was a commercial success.

Personal Life

Belushi married Judith Belushi Pisano in 1976. Despite his professional success, Belushi struggled with substance abuse, which affected his health and career.

Death

John Belushi died on March 5, 1982, at the age of 33, from a drug overdose at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles. His death was a significant loss to the entertainment industry and highlighted the dangers of substance abuse.

Legacy

Belushi's influence on comedy and film remains significant. He is remembered for his larger-than-life personality and his ability to bring humor and energy to his performances. His work on SNL and in films like Animal House continues to inspire comedians and actors.

Also see

• Saturday Night Live
• Dan Aykroyd
• Animal House
• The Blues Brothers
• Second City