Judy Belushi Pisano, the actress and producer best known for her marriage to the late comedian John Belushi and her contributions to The Blues Brothers franchise, passed away on Saturday at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer.
Her death was announced via John Belushi’s social media accounts. The Instagram post read, “Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet Judy. 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.”
The post also highlighted her efforts to preserve John Belushi’s legacy, stating, “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.”
The tribute concluded with a heartfelt message: “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.”
ALSO READ:
Born Judy Jacklin in Oak Park, Illinois, on January 7, 1951, she met John Belushi at Wheaton High School, where they began dating. She attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, sharing a tiny apartment with future financial guru Suze Orman.
Judy did not graduate, instead moving to an Old Town apartment with Belushi while he honed his comic craft at Second City. They married in 1976, just as Belushi was beginning his rise to stardom as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live.
Judy played a significant role in producing various Blues Brothers projects. Early in her career, she worked as a radio producer and had uncredited roles in the films Animal House (1978) and Blues Brothers (1980). After his untimely death in 1982, she dedicated much of her life to preserving his legacy.
In 1990, she married her second husband, Victor Pisano, from whom she later divorced in 2010.
Judy was actively involved in the arts community on Martha’s Vineyard, a place she and John first visited in 1974. According to the MV Times, she organized a screening of the film John Belushi: Dancing on the Edge to benefit Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and a show with Dan Aykroyd to support the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse.
Belushi Pisano is survived by her children and grandchildren.
This article was brought to you for FREE. Please support Chicago’s #1 resource for local advertising, entertainment and production news by donating here.
