John Belushi
Second City performer who brought Harold Ramis to The National Lampoon Radio Hour.
John Belushi was an American actor and comedian who worked with Harold Ramis. In 1974, Belushi brought Ramis and other Second City performers, including Bill Murray, to New York City to work on The National Lampoon Radio Hour. During this time, Belushi, Ramis, Murray, Joe Flaherty, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner starred in the revue The National Lampoon Show, the successor to National Lampoon's Lemmings. Belushi was also attached to star in a film adaptation of A Confederacy of Dunces alongside Richard Pryor, which Ramis was set to direct in 1982, but the project was abandoned.
- field
- Actor, comedian
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Belushi was part of the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago. After leaving Second City for a time and returning in 1972, Ramis worked his way back as Belushi's deadpan foil. In 1974, Belushi brought Ramis and other Second City performers, including Bill Murray, to New York City to work on The National Lampoon Radio Hour. Belushi, Ramis, Murray, Joe Flaherty, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner also starred in the revue The National Lampoon Show, the successor to National Lampoon's Lemmings. In 1982, Ramis was attached to direct a film adaptation of A Confederacy of Dunces that was to star John Belushi and Richard Pryor, but the project was abandoned.
Reader's Guide
John Belushi's significance in Harold Ramis's career is as the performer who brought Ramis from Second City to national exposure. In 1974, Belushi brought Ramis and other Second City performers, including Bill Murray, to New York City to work on The National Lampoon Radio Hour. Belushi, Ramis, Murray, Joe Flaherty, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner also starred in the revue The National Lampoon Show. Belushi was also attached to star in a film adaptation of A Confederacy of Dunces alongside Richard Pryor, which Ramis was set to direct in 1982, but the project was abandoned.
Did You Know?
- In 1974, Belushi brought Harold Ramis and other Second City performers to New York City to work on The National Lampoon Radio Hour.
- Belushi, Ramis, Bill Murray, Joe Flaherty, Christopher Guest, and Gilda Radner starred in the revue The National Lampoon Show.
- In 1982, Ramis was attached to direct a film adaptation of A Confederacy of Dunces that was to star John Belushi and Richard Pryor, but the project was abandoned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is John Belushi?
John Belushi was an American comedian, actor, and musician born in Chicago in 1949. He is best remembered as one of the original seven cast members of Saturday Night Live and for his high-energy, physically chaotic comedy style.
What was John Belushi's role on Saturday Night Live?
Belushi joined the original 1975 SNL cast and became the show's loudest, most physically exaggerated performer. His rapid-fire impressions and over-the-top characters helped set the tone for the show's early seasons alongside his close creative partner Dan Aykroyd.
How did the Blues Brothers come about?
Belushi and Dan Aykroyd developed the Blues Brothers as a recurring SNL sketch in which two soul-music-loving brothers go on a mission from God. The bit proved so popular that it was expanded into the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, which became a major box-office hit.
How did John Belushi's life end?
Belushi died in Los Angeles on March 5, 1982, at the age of 33. His death was attributed to a combination of cocaine and quaaludes, cutting short a career that had already made him a defining voice of 1970s comedy.
Why is John Belushi considered important to comedy history?
Belushi helped define the physical, rule-breaking style of 1970s American comedy through SNL, Animal House, and The Blues Brothers. His partnership with Aykroyd and his willingness to be absurdly loud and chaotic influenced generations of comedians who followed.
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