Actor and hilarious SNL cast member John Belushi died on March 5, 1982 of a drug overdose. He was only 33 years old but had already made a lasting impact on the world of comedy and entertainment. Belushi rose to fame as a member of the original cast of Saturday Night Live, where he created unforgettable characters like Samurai Futaba, Beethoven, and of course, the Blues Brothers.
Belushi's talent and energy were undeniable, but his demons eventually caught up with him. He struggled with drug addiction throughout his career, and despite attempts at rehab and sobriety, he ultimately succumbed to his addiction. His death was a tragedy that resonated deeply with his fans and friends.
In the years since his passing, Belushi's legacy has only grown. The Blues Brothers, the musical act he formed with fellow SNL alum Dan Aykroyd, continued to tour and record after his death, and even inspired a hit movie. Aykroyd has kept the Blues Brothers brand alive in other ways as well, including licensing the name for a line of hot sauces and teaming up with Jim Belushi to create Blues Brothers-branded marijuana.
Belushi's other film roles, including Animal House and The Continental Divide, are still celebrated today as well. And while Blues Brothers 2000 may not have lived up to the original, Elwood Blues himself isn't letting go of the idea of a sequel.
Belushi's influence can even be seen in the work of other artists. The Lewis Brothers, filmmakers behind the 2021 viral short "Robin," have announced that their next project will focus on Jack Nicholson and John Belushi.
Belushi's younger brother Jim has followed in his footsteps to a certain extent, pursuing a career in comedy and acting. Jim has also taken on the role of preserving his brother's legacy, including through his recent reality show Growing Belushi. The show follows Jim's adventures as a cannabis farmer in Oregon, and explores his family's history and connection to the plant.
Of course, it's impossible to talk about John Belushi without mentioning the infamous "Graveyard" sketch from SNL. In March of 1978, Belushi and several other cast members appeared on the show wearing black armbands and mourning the loss of castmate Bill Murray...who was still very much alive. Belushi's performance in the sketch, which included him dancing on the others' graves, was both hilarious and slightly disturbing.
Belushi's impact on comedy and popular culture cannot be overstated. His talent, energy, and larger-than-life personality made him a star, but his tragic ending serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction. Today, on what would have been his 74th birthday, we remember John Belushi and the joy he brought to so many people.
