Judy Belushi Pisano, the widow of actor and comedian John Belushi, who died from a drug overdose in 1982, passed away on July 5 at her home on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Known for fiercely defending her late husband’s legacy, she was 73 years old.
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Judy Belushi Biography
Judith Victoria Jacklin was born on January 1, 1951, in Oak Park, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and grew up in the neighboring town of Wheaton, Illinois. Her father, Les Jacklin, worked as a salesman for a company specializing in tools and parts, while her mother, Jean (Buchanan) Jacklin, was a secretary and homemaker.
Cause of Death for Judy Belushi Confirmed
Belushi-Pisano passed away following a prolonged struggle with endometrial cancer, her son Luke Pisano confirmed. Luke described Belushi-Pisano as a “wonderful mother,” “cherished sister,” and “extraordinary individual.” She received her diagnosis in 2020 and transitioned to hospice care in 2023.
When did Judy Belushi meet John Belushi?
She encountered Mr. Belushi during their final year at Wheaton Central High School, and they swiftly fell in love. She enrolled at the University of Illinois but did not complete her degree, while he studied at the University of Wisconsin and the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. They relocated to the East Coast when Mr. Belushi’s emerging comedy career led them to New York City, where he performed in National Lampoon’s stage and radio productions before being cast on “Saturday Night Live.”
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What did Judy do?
Ms. Pisano served as a producer for “The National Lampoon Radio Hour.” More crucially, she provided emotional support for her husband, whose relentless drive catapulted him to international fame but also steered him toward addiction.
About John Belushi
In the mid-1970s, Belushi’s career skyrocketed as he succeeded with the Second City comedy troupe and was chosen for the original cast of Saturday Night Live. At that time, Belushi Pisano worked as a radio producer in New York City. She later had uncredited roles in Belushi’s blockbuster comedies, “Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers.” The couple also became known for hosting SNL after-parties at their home during Belushi’s five-year run on the show.
John Belushi died from a drug overdose on March 5, 1982. The cause of death was a lethal combination of heroin and cocaine, commonly known as a “speedball.” His overdose occurred at the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles, California.
Judy Memoir (Samurai Widow)
“Samurai Widow” (1990, Carroll & Graf) is a memoir penned by Judith Jacklin Belushi, the wife of comedian John Belushi. Judith authored “Samurai Widow” as a counter-narrative to the unfavorable depiction of John in Bob Woodward’s 1984 book, “Wired: The Short Life and Fast Times of John Belushi,” and its 1989 film adaptation.
The memoir loosely chronicles Judith’s life with John, her profound grief following his passing, and her journey to rebuild her life. It draws heavily from the detailed journals she maintained after John’s death, with many entries presented in their original form. The book’s title is inspired by one of John Belushi’s most iconic Saturday Night Live characters, Samurai Futaba, who humorously took on different professions in each sketch, such as a baker, lawyer, or hotel manager.
FAQs about the Late Judy Belushi
- Who was Judy Belushi? Judy Belushi was an American writer, artist, and producer, known for being the widow of comedian John Belushi.
- What is Judy Belushi famous for? She is best known for her work in preserving and promoting the legacy of John Belushi.
- What notable books did Judy Belushi write? She co-authored “Belushi” and “Samurai Widow.”
- Did Judy Belushi remarry? Yes, she remarried Victor Pisano, but they later divorced.
- Where did Judy Belushi live? She lived in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.
