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Entertainment • Actor

John Belushi

John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, singer, and musician known for his work on Saturday Night Live and for films such as Animal House and The Blues Brothers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, singer, and musician known for his work on Saturday Night Live and for films such as Animal House and The Blues Brothers. He was born in Chicago in 1949 and died in Los Angeles in 1982 at age 33.

Early life

John Belushi was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1949 and later grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He graduated from Wheaton Central High School in 1967.

Career

Belushi became widely known as one of the original performers on Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1979. He also had major film roles in Animal House and The Blues Brothers.

Personal life and death

Belushi married Judith Jacklin in 1976. He died in 1982 in Los Angeles at age 33.

Legacy

Belushi is remembered as an influential comic performer whose energetic style helped define late-1970s American comedy. His work remained closely associated with Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers.

Key facts

  • Belushi was an original cast member of Saturday Night Live.
  • He played Joliet Jake Blues in The Blues Brothers.
  • He also starred in National Lampoon's Animal House.
  • He was active professionally from 1972 to 1982.
  • Belushi died in 1982 at age 33 in Los Angeles.
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Canadian context

Belushi is relevant to Canadian readers through The Blues Brothers, which co-starred Canadian comedian and actor Dan Aykroyd.

Frequently asked questions

Who was John Belushi?
John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, singer, and musician best known for Saturday Night Live, Animal House, and The Blues Brothers.
What was John Belushi's birth name?
His birth name was John Adam Belushi.
When was John Belushi born?
He was born on January 24, 1949.
When did John Belushi die?
He died on March 5, 1982, at age 33.
What is John Belushi best known for?
He is best known as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live and for his film roles in Animal House and The Blues Brothers.
Was John Belushi married?
Yes. He married Judith Jacklin in 1976.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Belushi
    Supports: Birth and death dates, occupations, years active, spouse, and notable works
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Belushi-At-a-Glance-2235966
    Supports: Biographical overview, Saturday Night Live, The Blues Brothers, and death information
  3. Hollywood Walk of Fame — https://walkoffame.com/john-belushi/
    Supports: American comedian, actor, musician, original SNL cast member, and family background
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/actors/john-belushi
    Supports: Career overview, SNL, The Blues Brothers, and death