Like many of SNL's current and former cast members, the legendary John Belushi got his start with Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. Born in Chicago in 1949 to a father who immigrated from Albania and a mother who was a first-generation American of Albanian descent, Belushi showed an early interest in football and playing the drums, but as he grew up, those interests shifted to performing on stage, rather than on a field or behind a trap set.
After co-founding an acting troupe, acting in various summer stock productions, and attending the University of Wisconsin, he returned to Chicago were he became a performer with Second City. He remained with Second City for several years, before leaving for New York in 1973 with girlfriend Judy Jacklin to take a part in "Lemmings," an off-Broadway play produced by National Lampoon that satirized the Woodstock music festival (a videotape of the stage show is available). It was in New York that he joined the original cast of SNL.
During the first season, Belushi found himself overshadowed by Chevy Chase, but with Chase's departure after only one year, Belushi's comic gifts were given free reign to roam and he quickly became a star. However, his attempts to cross over to the big screen were hit-and-miss. While movies like "Animal House" and "The Blues Brothers" were wildly successful, films like "Neighbors" and "Continental Divide" never found audiences. In addition, his increasing dependency on drugs, fueled by self-destructive tendencies, made life a constant struggle for Belushi and those close to him.
In 1982, at the age of 34, John Belushi passed away from a heart attack caused by an accidental drug overdose. Although his career was short lived, films like "Animal House," "The Blues Brothers," and his classic SNL performances ensure him a high place in the pantheon of 20th century comedians and an inspiration to comedians everywhere.
