John Belushi

Geboren am
24. Januar 1949 · Chicago, Illinois, USA
Verstorben
5. März 1982 · Hollywood, Los Angeles, Kalifornien, USA (akute Kokain- und Heroinvergiftung)
Geburtsname
John Adam Belushi
Spitzname
- America's Guest
Größe
1,73 m

On Saturday Night Live (1975), he often did a running act on the Weekend Update section where he would give an editorial speech that starts calmly, but increases in emotional intensity until the end he is screaming and flailing around like a maniac.
Often played comically intense, volatile, even sometimes sloppy man-child characters.
In his trademark comic rantings, he would include a long, detailed explanation of something he was trying to support or confirm, and then broke into a shouting "Buuuut nnnnnOOOOOO!", continuing to rant into the negative.
Often known for his expressive eyes and the solitary raised eyebrow
Impressive knack for physical comedy despite his heavy physique

Belushi died in bungalow #3 of the Chateau Marmont Hotel in Los Angeles. The last two stars to see him alive were Robert De Niro and Robin Williams, both of whom had visited Belushi, on separate occasions, shortly before his death.
Was good friends with fellow Saturday Night Live (1975) player Dan Aykroyd. Belushi personally met with Aykroyd at a speakeasy that Aykroyd frequented to discuss the possibility of Aykroyd joining Saturday Night Live (1975), which is where they hit it off. While they were talking, Aykroyd put on a blues record, which stirred a fascination in Belushi, who was primarily a fan of heavy metal. SNL music director Howard Shore later heard about Aykroyd re-familiarizing Belushi with blues music and suggested that they do a musical sketch, which eventually led to the birth of their popular "Blues Brothers" act.
Used to borrow a $20 bill from new acquaintances, judging them from their reactions at his request.
The role of Dr. Peter Venkman in die Geisterjaeger (1984) was originally written for Belushi. After his death, the role went to fellow SNL player Bill Murray.
Belushi's nickname "America's Guest" stemmed from his habit of wandering to a random house of a complete stranger, knocking on the door, going in, helping himself to something in the refrigerator and then sleeping on the stranger's couch. Most strangers, recognizing who he was, did not seem to mind Belushi's "visit".

Some comedians love their characters. I don't fall in love with mine. In fact, I get tired of them very fast. You have to be willing to throw it all away.
Back in Chicago, all we cared about was rock 'n' roll and staying out of the army.
I give so much pleasure to so many people. Why can I not get some pleasure for myself?
[how he acquired the nickname 'Wrestling Shoes from his cousins] They were a couple of years older and much funnier than me. Every time I opened my mouth, they would cut me down. We were playing poker one New Year's Eve, and they won all my money. I left the table and suddenly burst into tears. They asked me what was wrong, and I said , "That was for my wrestling shoes". So they called me Wrestling Shoes ever after.