John Adam Belushi (January 24, 1949 – March 5, 1982) was an American comedian, actor, and singer….who is best known for his “intense energy and raucous attitude”….which he displayed as one of the seven original cast members of the NBC sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live (SNL). Throughout his career, Belushi had a close personal and artistic partnership with his fellow SNL star Dan Aykroyd….whom he met while they were both working at Chicago’s The Second City comedy club.
In 1975, Belushi was recommended to SNL creator/showrunner Lorne Michaels by Chevy Chase and Michael O’Donoghue….who accepted Belushi as a new cast member of the show after an audition. He developed a series of characters on the show that reached high success….including his notable performances such as Henry Kissinger and Ludwig van Beethoven…..as seen in this video herewith. After his breakout and best-known film role as John “Bluto” Blutarsky, the lead in National Lampoon’s Animal House in 1978, Belushi later took an interest in films such as 1941, The Blues Brothers, and Neighbors…..plus, he pursued interests in music, creating with Aykroyd, Lou Marini, Tom Malone, Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn and Paul Shaffer, the Blues Brothers, from which the film received its name.
We at ImaSportsphile are extremely fortunate to have so many pieces of John Belushi’s work….whereas, like this one….we consider them each to be “nuggets of gold” in our treasure chest of vintage memories….cuz John Belushi could make folks laugh….often with just a look….for he was a very talented guy.
