Work : New Career 11 October 1975 in Manhattan (First taping of "Saturday Night Live") chart Placidus Equal_H.
Work : Retired 1979 (Left "Sat. Night Live")
Death:Death by Accident 5 March 1982 at 12:30 PM in Los Angeles (Overdosed, age 33) chart Placidus Equal_H. Social : Great Publicity June 1986 (Friend Cathy Smith pleaded quilty of manslaughter involving his death) chart Placidus Equal_H.
American actor and comedian who had a fast-paced, six-year career as the talented comedy star of "Saturday Night Live" and such films as "Animal House." A study in contradictions, he was a slob, an artist, comedically wild but privately sedate, a writer and actor, a man prone to swing from hostility to hospitality in a matter of seconds. In all, he was a superb entertainer whose potential was barely tapped in his too-short career, a compulsive over-achiever who lived with passionate indulgence. The son of an Albanian born Chicago restaurateur, he majored in drama at the University of Illinois and played serious roles in stock productions. However, after discovering Second City Television, a show that let out the stops with irreverent skits, he tapped into his inner comic. He won a part in the off-Broadway "National Lampoons Lemmings," in New York. When the long-running review closed, he went on to write and perform in "The National Lampoon Radio Hour," along with another off-Broadway production, "The National Lampoon Show." Early in 1975, Lorne Michaels was setting up a new NBC program, "Saturday Night Live." When Belushi improvised a bit as a demented samurai warrior, he was all but hired on the spot. The show premiered in October. Belushi and his co-star, Chevy Chase, easily emerged as favorites with the viewers, and he became a star in his own right with the movie, "National Lampoons Animal House." Thanks to Belushis gross excesses on screen, the film connected with a segment of the American public and became one of the most popular movies of all time. In 1979, Belushi left "SNL." His rule of thumb was that when he was no longer insecure about a performance, it was time to pack it in. Brash in his public persona, he was a child in his personal life, inordinately concerned about his weight and desperately afraid to be alone. He took refuge in drugs, beginning a two-year period in which his life revolved around the next high, the next snort. In spite of periodic attempts to get clean, he was hooked. He shuttled between the West Coast and his town house in New Yorks West Village. He made movies such as "1941," "Continental Divide," and "Neighbors," all of which flopped. In early March 1982, Belushi and a friend went to the Rock City, a Hollywood private club. He drank heavily, leaving at 1:00 AM. When he reached his bungalow at the Chateau Marmont, he threw up. Shortly later, he was joined by a pal, singer Cathy Smith. She noted that he was pale and sweating, but he kept on drinking and snorting sizable amounts of cocaine. Another couple friends dropped by for a short while and at approximately 4:00 AM, Belushi took a shower. Somewhere between 6:30 and 8:00 AM, Smith allegedly injected Belushi with a "speedball," a mixture of coke and heroin, according to an interview which she later denied. He was sleeping peacefully when she left at 10:15 AM. Another friend came by about noon and found Belushi still and silent. A blazing star that burned out, he was dead of drug overdosed on 3/05/1982. Though Hollywood was ready to chalk up the death as accidental, Belushis wife Judy was not, and asked for an investigation. In June 1986, Smith pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter for her role in the lethal party. The story of Belushis last days and death was written by Bob Woodward in his book, "Wired," a national bestseller. Link to Wikipedia biography Read less
Born: January 25, 1949, Chicago, United States
John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician. He gained national fame as one of the original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). John was known for his energetic performances and iconic characters such as the Samurai Futaba and his impersonations of celebrities like Joe Cocker. He was also a lead actor in films such as "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers". Sadly, John Belushi's life was cut short when he passed away on March 5, 1982, but he left a lasting legacy in the world of comedy and entertainment.
Although John Belushi passed away in 1982, his influence on comedy and entertainment continues to be celebrated. Recent documentaries and retrospectives often highlight his contributions to SNL and his impact on the comedy genre. His work is frequently revisited, especially during anniversaries of SNL or the release of "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers".
As John Belushi passed away before the advent of social media, he does not have any official social media accounts. However, his legacy is maintained through fan pages and profiles created by admirers and family members. His brother, Jim Belushi, often shares memories and tributes to John on his own social media platforms, keeping John's spirit alive for both fans and new audiences.
In recent years, there have been various projects and tributes dedicated to John Belushi's life and career. These include documentaries like "Belushi", which offer in-depth looks at his rise to fame and the challenges he faced. The documentary features interviews with friends, family, and colleagues, providing a comprehensive view of his life. Additionally, his work continues to be featured in retrospectives on SNL and in discussions about influential comedians of the 20th century.
John Belushi's influence on comedy extends far beyond his years on SNL. His bold style and unique comedic timing inspired countless comedians who followed. The characters he portrayed remain a part of popular culture, and his films continue to be enjoyed by new generations. Belushi's life story serves as a reminder of the pressures of fame and the importance of supporting artists not just in their successes, but also in their struggles.