Judy Belushi-Pisano was an actress and the widow of comedian and actor John Belushi (1949–1982), who worked to preserve her late husband’s legacy.
Judy Belushi-Pisano’s legacy
Born Judith Jacklin, Belushi-Pisano met Belushi while they were attending high school together in a Chicago suburb. They married in 1976 and remained together until his untimely death at the age of 33. While her husband was alive, Belushi-Pisano worked with him, dancing with him in “National Lampoon’s Animal House” at the toga party and playing a cocktail waitress in “The Blues Brothers.” She also worked in design for “The Blues Brothers” and in the art department at National Lampoon. At the Lampoon, she co-wrote “Titters 101: An Introduction to Women’s Literature” after art directing “Titters: The First Collection of Humor by Women.”
After Belushi’s 1982 death, Belushi-Pisano eventually remarried producer-director Victor Pisano, relocated to Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts and had a family, but she also remained deeply involved with Belushi’s legacy. She co-owned the Blues Brothers brand alongside Dan Aykroyd, shepherding such projects as the creation of the House of Blues venues and Blues Brothers musical. She wrote the memoir “Samurai Widow” and co-wrote “Belushi: A Biography.” R.J. Cutler’s 2020 documentary “Belushi,” based on the book’s interviews, includes an exploration of the couple’s relationship.
Notable quote
“John told me, ‘You should probably break up with me because I want to be an actor and I’ll probably never make any money.’ But I always thought he’d do well.” — from a 2020 interview for People
Tributes to Judy Belushi-Pisano
Sad to hear that John’s widow, Judy Belushi passed away. 😞 pic.twitter.com/TcXXiksRs1
— Jon Donahue (@JonDonahue) July 7, 2024
Full obituary: Chicago Sun-Times
