The 1978 film Animal House is a comedy classic that has stood the test of time, and one of its most iconic stars is the late John Belushi. As a member of the Delta Tau Chi fraternity, Belushi’s character, John Blutarsky, also known as Bluto, is a memorable figure in the movie. But have you ever wondered how old John Belushi was when he played this role? In this article, we will delve into the life and career of John Belushi, exploring his early days, his rise to fame, and his experience filming Animal House.
Early Life and Career of John Belushi
John Adam Belushi was born on January 24, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in a family of Albanian descent and was the son of Adam and Agnes Belushi. John’s early life was marked by a strong interest in comedy and acting, which was encouraged by his family. He attended Wheaton Central High School, where he developed his comedic skills and became known for his impressions and humor.
After high school, Belushi attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and later the College of DuPage, where he studied theater. However, he soon dropped out of college to pursue a career in comedy. In the early 1970s, Belushi joined the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago, where he met other future stars, including Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, and Dan Aykroyd.
Rise to Fame with Saturday Night Live
In 1975, John Belushi was recruited by Lorne Michaels to join the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a new sketch comedy show on NBC. Belushi’s unique blend of physical comedy, impressions, and characters quickly made him a fan favorite. He became known for his iconic characters, including Samurai Delicatessen and Henry Kissinger, and his ability to improvise and think on his feet.
During his time on SNL, Belushi formed a close friendship with Dan Aykroyd, and the two began to develop their own characters and sketches. Their Blues Brothers characters, Jake and Elwood Blues, were born on SNL and would later become a successful film and music franchise.
Filming Animal House
In 1977, John Belushi was cast in the film Animal House, directed by John Landis and written by Harold Ramis, Douglas Kenney, and Chris Miller. The movie was filmed on location in Oregon and told the story of a group of misfit fraternity brothers at the fictional Faber College.
At the time of filming, John Belushi was 28 years old. Despite his relatively young age, Belushi had already gained a significant amount of experience in comedy and acting, which served him well in his role as Bluto. The film’s success can be attributed in part to Belushi’s over-the-top performance, which included his iconic toga party scene and his character’s memorable quotes, such as “Toga! Toga!”
Behind-the-Scenes of Animal House
The filming of Animal House was a unique and chaotic experience for the cast and crew. The movie was shot on a relatively low budget, and the cast, including Belushi, Tim Matheson, and Peter Riegert, often improvised and added their own ideas to the script.
According to interviews with the cast and crew, John Belushi was a key contributor to the film’s comedic success. His ability to think on his feet and come up with hilarious ideas on the spot added to the movie’s humor and charm. However, Belushi’s behavior on set was also known to be unpredictable, and he often clashed with the film’s director, John Landis.
Impact of Animal House on John Belushi’s Career
The success of Animal House had a significant impact on John Belushi’s career. The film’s popularity helped to establish Belushi as a leading comedic actor, and he went on to star in several other films, including The Blues Brothers and Continental Divide.
However, Belushi’s success was also marked by personal struggles, including his well-documented issues with addiction and weight gain. Despite these challenges, Belushi remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actors.
Legacy of John Belushi
John Belushi’s life was tragically cut short when he died on March 5, 1982, at the age of 33. His death was a shock to the entertainment industry and his fans, who mourned the loss of a talented and innovative comedian.
Today, John Belushi is remembered as a pioneering figure in American comedy. His work on Saturday Night Live and in films like Animal House and The Blues Brothers continues to inspire and influence new comedians and actors. Belushi’s legacy is a testament to the power of comedy to bring people together and to the enduring impact of his unique brand of humor.
In conclusion, John Belushi was 28 years old when he filmed Animal House, a movie that would become a classic of American comedy. Belushi’s experience on the film was marked by his unique blend of humor, improvisation, and unpredictability, which added to the movie’s success. As we look back on Belushi’s life and career, we are reminded of the enduring power of comedy to bring people together and to inspire new generations of performers and fans.
To summarize the key points of John Belushi’s life and career, here is a list of his major accomplishments:
- Joined the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago in the early 1970s
- Became a cast member on Saturday Night Live in 1975
- Starred in the film Animal House in 1978
- Co-created the Blues Brothers characters with Dan Aykroyd
- Starred in the film The Blues Brothers in 1980
John Belushi’s life and career serve as a reminder of the importance of taking risks, pursuing one’s passions, and embracing creativity and innovation. As we continue to enjoy his work in Animal House and other films, we are inspired by his legacy and the enduring power of comedy to bring people together.
How old was John Belushi when he filmed Animal House?
John Belushi was born on January 24, 1949, and the filming of Animal House took place in 1977. Therefore, when he filmed Animal House, John Belushi was 28 years old. This was a pivotal time in his career, as he was already gaining recognition for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL). His role as John Blutarsky in Animal House further cemented his status as a comedy genius and helped launch his film career.
The success of Animal House can be attributed in part to Belushi’s energetic and unpredictable performances, which became a hallmark of his comedic style. His character, Bluto, is often cited as one of the most iconic characters in comedy film history, and his portrayal of the lovable but troubled Bluto has been widely imitated and referenced. Despite his untimely death in 1982, John Belushi’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of comedians and actors, and his work in Animal House remains a beloved and enduring part of his comedic legacy.
What was John Belushi’s background before joining Saturday Night Live?
Before joining Saturday Night Live (SNL), John Belushi attended the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and later the College of DuPage, where he became involved in the school’s drama program. He began his career in comedy as part of the Second City comedy troupe in Chicago, where he met and collaborated with other future comedy stars, including Bill Murray and Gilda Radner. This experience helped him develop his improvisational skills and comedic timing, which would later become essential to his success on SNL.
Belushi’s time at Second City was instrumental in shaping his comedic style and preparing him for the opportunities that lay ahead. His experience working with other talented comedians and writers helped him hone his craft and develop the confidence to take risks and push boundaries in his performances. When he joined SNL in 1975, Belushi was already a seasoned comedian with a strong foundation in improvisation and physical comedy, which served him well in his breakout role as a member of the show’s original cast.
How did John Belushi’s role in Animal House impact his career?
John Belushi’s role in Animal House marked a significant turning point in his career, as it helped establish him as a bankable film star and further cemented his status as a comedy legend. The film’s massive success and Belushi’s memorable performance as Bluto introduced him to a wider audience and demonstrated his ability to carry a film. This, in turn, led to more film opportunities and helped him transition from television to the big screen.
The impact of Animal House on Belushi’s career cannot be overstated, as it helped him achieve a level of mainstream recognition and success that he had not previously experienced. The film’s success also paved the way for future comedy classics, such as The Blues Brothers and Continental Divide, which further showcased Belushi’s talents and solidified his position as one of the leading comedians of his generation. Despite his tragic death at a young age, John Belushi’s legacy continues to endure, and his role in Animal House remains an essential part of his comedic heritage.
What were some of John Belushi’s most notable roles besides Animal House?
Besides his iconic role in Animal House, John Belushi appeared in several other notable films, including The Blues Brothers, Continental Divide, and 1941. The Blues Brothers, which he co-wrote and starred in alongside Dan Aykroyd, is a musical comedy classic that has become a staple of American comedy. Continental Divide, a romantic comedy co-starring Blair Brown, showcased Belushi’s ability to play more dramatic roles and demonstrated his range as an actor.
In addition to his film work, Belushi was also a pioneering figure in television comedy, thanks to his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL). During his time on the show, he created some of the most memorable characters in SNL history, including Samurai Delicatessen and Henry Kissinger. Belushi’s innovative and fearless approach to comedy helped establish SNL as a launching pad for future comedy stars and paved the way for future generations of comedians and actors. His influence can still be seen in many aspects of contemporary comedy, from film and television to stand-up and improv.
How did John Belushi’s death affect the comedy world?
John Belushi’s death on March 5, 1982, at the age of 33, sent shockwaves through the comedy world and beyond. His untimely passing was a devastating loss for the entertainment industry, as he was still in the prime of his career and had yet to reach his full potential. The news of his death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from fans, fellow comedians, and actors who had been inspired by his work.
The impact of Belushi’s death on the comedy world was profound, as it marked the loss of a true original and a pioneering figure in American comedy. His influence can still be seen in many areas of contemporary comedy, from the work of comedians like Chris Farley and Will Ferrell to the continued popularity of films like Animal House and The Blues Brothers. Despite his tragic death, John Belushi’s legacy continues to endure, and his contributions to the world of comedy remain an essential part of his lasting impact on popular culture.
What is John Belushi’s lasting legacy in the world of comedy?
John Belushi’s lasting legacy in the world of comedy is a testament to his innovative spirit, fearless approach to comedy, and unforgettable performances. He helped pave the way for future generations of comedians and actors, and his influence can still be seen in many areas of contemporary comedy. From the work of comedians like Jim Carrey and Will Ferrell to the continued popularity of films like Animal House and The Blues Brothers, Belushi’s impact on the world of comedy is undeniable.
Belushi’s legacy extends beyond his own performances, as he helped establish Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a launching pad for future comedy stars and paved the way for future generations of comedians and actors. His innovative and fearless approach to comedy helped break down barriers and push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of comedy. Today, John Belushi is remembered as a comedy genius and a true original, and his contributions to the world of comedy continue to inspire and influence new generations of comedians, actors, and writers.
How does John Belushi’s work in Animal House continue to influence comedy today?
John Belushi’s work in Animal House continues to influence comedy today, as the film’s irreverent humor, outrageous characters, and comedic style have become a benchmark for future comedy classics. The film’s success helped establish the “gross-out” comedy genre, which has since become a staple of American comedy. Belushi’s performance as Bluto, in particular, has been widely imitated and referenced, and his character’s antics and quotes have become ingrained in popular culture.
The influence of Animal House can be seen in many areas of contemporary comedy, from films like Old School and Superbad to television shows like Animal House’s spiritual successor, the sitcom Community. The film’s impact on comedy can also be seen in the work of comedians like Seth Rogen and Jonah Hill, who have cited Animal House as a major influence on their own comedic style. As a result, John Belushi’s work in Animal House continues to be celebrated and referenced, and his legacy as a comedy genius remains an essential part of his enduring impact on popular culture.