The untimely death of John Belushi at just 33 years old in March 1982 left the entertainment world reeling, especially his beloved ‘Saturday Night Live’ family. In the new video titled “John Belushi’s Death: Inside the SNL Star’s Shocking Overdose,” viewers are given a closer look at the circumstances surrounding the comedian’s tragic passing on the Sunset Strip.
The video features unseen interviews with Chevy Chase and Lorne Michaels, who were both deeply affected by Belushi’s death just hours after the news broke. Rare footage of the media frenzy as Belushi’s body was removed from the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles is also included, painting a vivid picture of the somber aftermath of his passing.
As Belushi’s funeral took place, ET learned how his on-screen Blues Brother, Dan Aykroyd, and real-life brother, Jim Belushi, eulogized the late comedian in front of 1,000 mourners at a New York City church. The criminal trial against drug dealer Cathy Evelyn Smith, who injected Belushi with the fatal mix of cocaine and heroin that led to his overdose, revealed shocking details about Belushi’s final hours, including the presence of Hollywood heavyweights like Robin Williams and Robert De Niro at his bungalow.
In one of Belushi’s final interviews in late 1981, he and Aykroyd shared plans for multiple new movies, two of which would go on to be the blockbuster hits ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Spies Like Us.’ His widow, Judy Belushi-Pisano, recounted Aykroyd breaking the tragic news to her in person, highlighting the deep impact of Belushi’s death on those closest to him.
Throughout the video, ‘SNL’ co-stars like Bill Murray, Laraine Newman, and Jane Curtin reflect on witnessing Belushi’s escalating drug addiction during their time on the show. Belushi’s breakout star status among the ‘Not Ready for Primetime Players’ is explored, showcasing his iconic sketches and impressions that left a lasting impression on future cast members like Chris Farley.
Farley’s own tragic overdose in 1997, which mirrored Belushi’s death, led to years of headlines about an alleged ‘SNL curse.’ Aykroyd, who lost his best friend in Belushi, stressed the importance of being cautious with substances, stating, “The lesson, of course, is just you got to watch those powders and pills.” The video serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of Belushi’s talent and the dangers of addiction in the entertainment industry.
Watch the video by Entertainment Tonight
Video “John Belushi’s Death: Inside the SNL Star’s Shocking Overdose” was uploaded on 10/12/2024 to Youtube Channel Entertainment Tonight