John Belushi tragic-hero of comedy with a lust for life

John Belushi gained national recognition for his brash and physical style of humor. His breakthrough came with his appearances on “Saturday Night Live,” where he showcased characters such as the volatile samurai/sushi chef and the rage-filled anchorman. Belushi’s unique and intense approach to performance became his comedic trademark.

Born on January 29, 1949, in Chicago, IL, to Albanian immigrant parents, Belushi grew up in Wheaton. He excelled on the high school football team and was even crowned homecoming king. After participating in summer stock theater and attending the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater and a local junior college, Belushi co-founded an acting troupe. He eventually earned a spot in Chicago’s esteemed Second City troupe before moving to New York City with his girlfriend Judy Jacklin.

Belushi’s career took off when he joined “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. His outrageous performances on the show and his memorable role as Bluto in National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978) catapulted him to unparalleled fame and notoriety. Alongside Dan Aykroyd, Belushi brought their white blues men SNL warm-up act to the big screen with The Blues Brothers (1980), which became a massive success. The film featured a record number of car crashes and reignited interest in blues music.

Following these accomplishments, Belushi appeared in two comedies where he played more subdued roles: Neighbors (1981), again alongside Aykroyd, and Continental Divide (1981), a romantic comedy. Unfortunately, during this time, Belushi’s cocaine addiction reached its peak. He spent his final days at West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont Hotel, working on a script while indulging in a party-heavy lifestyle.

On March 5, 1982, Belushi tragically passed away from a fatal overdose after injecting a mixture of heroin and cocaine. Despite his untimely demise, Belushi’s immense talent and zest for life continue to be celebrated. He is remembered as a comedic acting legend, with his tomb located in Martha’s Vineyard cemetery.