John Belushi Passed Away 30 Years Ago Today

In New York City, 500 people gathered at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to celebrate the man whose samurai warrior, killer bee, “cheeborger, cheeborger” counterman and crazed bluesman have become hallmarks of a generation’s comedy. Belushi’s brother, Jim, also an actor, began the ceremony: “What a beautiful hall. I can’t help but think John would have loved to play this house. I can see him rolling down the aisle.” While the service provided more laughter than tears, for most spectators, it was Aykroyd’s bittersweet summation that lingered. He said his friend was “a good man, but a bad boy,” someone who needed “an additional illicit thrill to make it all worthwhile.”

Newsweek March 22, 1982