Judith Belushi Pisano, widow of Chicago icon John Belushi, dies at 73
Judith Belushi Pisano, the widow of iconic Chicago native John Belushi, died Friday night at age 73.
The Martha’s Vineyard Times reports that Pisano had a long battle with cancer. Pisano and Belushi first moved to Martha’s Vineyard, the Massachusetts island just south of Cape Cod, in 1974, the paper reports.
Pisano was born as Judy Jacklin in Oak Park, a western suburb of Chicago, on Jan. 7, 1951.
Pisano met Belushi at Wheaton High School in the western suburbs, the Sun-Times reports, where they began dating. Belushi, of course, went on to achieve fame as a comedian, actor and musician, best known for his time on “Saturday Night Live” and his roles in the movies “Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers.”
Pisano herself was a producer and musician, The Martha’s Vineyard Times notes.
Robert Towne, Oscar-winning writer of ‘Chinatown,’ dies at 89
Pisano and Belushi married in 1976 and remained married until Belushi’s death on March 5, 1982. She later remarried Victor Pisano in 1990, but they divorced in 2010.
Belushi Pisano attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she shared a small apartment with Suze Orman, the future financial guru, according to the Sun-Times.
After Belushi’s death in 1982, Belushi Pisano continued to keep his memory alive. She authored the memoir “Samurai Widow,” co-wrote a biography titled “Belushi” and, according to the Sun-Times, organized Joliet’s 2021 Blues Brothers Con.
Belushi Pisano also had several acting credits to her career and co-wrote two humor books.
The official John Belushi Facebook page posted a statement Saturday morning on Belushi Pisano’s passing.
“Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet Judy,” it reads. “Her unwavering dedication and creative genius alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi gave birth to ‘The Blues Brothers,’ a timeless testament to the power of music and laughter.
Heart’s Ann Wilson announces cancer diagnosis, tour with Illinois stop postponed
“In the years following John’s passing in 1982, Judy honored his life and championed his legacy and Blues Brothers brand. As we bid farewell, we pledge to continue her work, ensuring that John’s legacy, and the Blues Brothers, will never fade.
“There was no one like her. Judy made everyone feel loved. She was nonjudgmental, light, funny and pure. You could be truly yourself around her, that alone was a gift.
“The Belushi and Pisano families will carry your love in their hearts forever.”
Belushi Pisano is survived by her four children, six grandchildren and three siblings.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
