35 Facts About John Belushi Death

Early Life and Career

John Belushi's journey to fame began in the Midwest and led him to become a comedy legend. Let's explore his early life and career.

1. John Belushi was born on January 24, 1949, in Wheaton, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago.
2. In high school, he was the captain of the football team and was voted homecoming king.
3. Belushi attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and later the College of DuPage, where his interest in comedy began to take shape.
4. He moved to New York City to pursue comedy, joining The Second City, an improvisational comedy group.
5. In 1975, he became one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL), which catapulted him to fame.

Rise to Fame

Belushi's talent and charisma quickly made him a household name. Here are some key moments in his rise to stardom.

6. Belushi's characters on SNL, such as the Samurai Futaba and the Blues Brothers, became iconic.
7. He starred in the film Animal House (1978), which was a massive success and solidified his status as a comedy star.
8. The Blues Brothers, a musical comedy duo with Dan Aykroyd, led to a hit movie and album, further boosting his fame.
9. Despite his success, Belushi struggled with substance abuse, which would eventually contribute to his tragic end.

Personal Struggles

Belushi's life was marked by personal struggles, particularly with addiction. These struggles played a significant role in his final days.

10. Belushi's addiction issues were well-documented, and he often found himself in environments filled with drugs.
11. He reportedly spent around $2,500 a week on his drug habit in the months leading up to his death.
12. His addiction affected his relationships and work, causing tension and concern among friends and colleagues.

Final Days

Belushi's last days were a whirlwind of work and substance abuse. Let's look at the events leading up to his death.

13. In February 1982, Belushi checked into Bungalow 3 at the Chateau Marmont, a luxury hotel in Los Angeles.
14. He was working on a screenplay for the film Noble Rot during this time.
15. Cathy Smith, a Canadian drug dealer, became a frequent companion and played a pivotal role in his final days.
16. Smith admitted to injecting Belushi with a lethal combination of cocaine and heroin, known as a speedball, multiple times.

The Night Before

The night before Belushi's death was filled with drug use and visits from friends. Here are the key events.

17. On March 2, 1982, Belushi and Smith visited SNL writer Nelson Lyon, where Smith injected them with cocaine.
18. The next day, they visited Lyon again, and Smith injected Belushi with more drugs.
19. That evening, they met actor Robert De Niro at On the Rox, an exclusive club, but Belushi stayed in his hotel room.

Final Hours

Belushi's final hours were marked by a visit from friends and a tragic end. Here's what happened.

20. On the morning of March 5, 1982, Smith drove them back to the bungalow.
21. Actors Robert De Niro and Robin Williams dropped by for a brief visit, each helping themselves to some cocaine.
22. Smith later reported that she woke Belushi up at about 9:30 AM and asked if he was okay. He replied, “Just don’t leave me alone.”
23. Smith left a little past 10 AM to run some errands.

Discovery and Autopsy

Belushi's body was discovered later that day, and the cause of death was determined. Here are the details.

24. At around noon, Belushi’s personal trainer, Bill Wallace, arrived at the bungalow and found him unresponsive.
25. Wallace attempted to perform CPR but was unsuccessful. EMTs arrived a few minutes later and pronounced Belushi dead at the scene.
26. The Los Angeles County coroner, Dr. Ronald Kornblum, attributed Belushi’s cause of death to acute cocaine and heroin poisoning.

Legal Consequences

Cathy Smith faced legal consequences for her role in Belushi's death. Here's what happened.

27. Smith was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on March 5, 1982, for possession of narcotics.
28. After a National Enquirer article in May 1982, Smith was extradited from Canada and charged with second-degree murder and 13 counts of administering cocaine and heroin.
29. In June 1986, Smith pled no contest to involuntary manslaughter and three counts of furnishing and administering controlled substances to Belushi.
30. She served 15 months in prison at Chino, California Institution for Women.

Funeral and Legacy

Belushi's death left a lasting impact on Hollywood and his fans. His legacy continues to inspire.

31. Belushi’s widow, Judith Jacklin, arranged for a traditional Orthodox Christian funeral.
32. He was interred at Abel's Hill Cemetery in Chilmark, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard.
33. Belushi’s tombstone has a skull and crossbones with the inscription, “I may be gone but Rock and Roll lives on.”
34. Despite his tragic death, Belushi left behind a lasting legacy in comedy and music.
35. His characters and performances continue to be enjoyed by fans today, cementing his place as a comedy legend.

Belushi's Lasting Impact

John Belushi's death at 33 was a stark reminder of the dangers of substance abuse. His life, filled with incredible highs and devastating lows, left an indelible mark on comedy and entertainment. From his iconic roles on Saturday Night Live to his unforgettable performance in The Blues Brothers, Belushi's talent was undeniable. Despite his struggles, his legacy continues to inspire comedians and actors. His tragic end prompted many in Hollywood to rethink their relationship with drugs, leading to a broader awareness of addiction's dangers. Belushi's story serves as a cautionary tale but also as a testament to his enduring influence. His widow, Judith Jacklin, worked tirelessly to honor his memory, ensuring his contributions to comedy and music are never forgotten. John Belushi may be gone, but his spirit and impact on popular culture live on.