What Is Jim Belushi’s Net Worth?
Jim Belushi, the multifaceted American actor, comedian, singer, and musician, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $50 million. This financial standing reflects a long and prosperous career spanning diverse entertainment avenues.
Jim Belushi’s Career and Financial Success
Jim Belushi’s career commenced in Chicago, where he honed his craft with The Second City from 1977 to 1980, following in the footsteps of his late brother, John Belushi. His initial foray into the entertainment industry included an uncredited appearance in the 1978 film “The Fury” and a role on the NBC series “Who’s Watching the Kids?” from 1978 to 1979. These early roles set the stage for a career that would encompass over 150 films and television shows.
A significant turning point occurred in 1983 when Belushi co-starred in the film “Trading Places” alongside Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy. That same year, he joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live,” a platform that amplified his comedic talents and expanded his audience. His presence on “Saturday Night Live” from 1983 to 1985 contributed significantly to his early career earnings and established him as a comedic force.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Belushi appeared in a series of films that further solidified his reputation as a versatile actor. Notable titles include “The Man with One Red Shoe” (1985), “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986), “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1986), “Real Men” (1987), “Mr. Destiny” (1990), “Canadian Bacon” (1995), “Jingle All the Way” (1996), and “Wag the Dog” (1997). His roles in these films contributed steadily to his income, although specific salary figures for these projects remain undisclosed.
From 2001 to 2009, Belushi starred in the ABC sitcom “According to Jim,” a role that would become a defining moment in his career. As James “Jim” Orenthal, he appeared in 182 episodes over eight seasons. Beyond acting, Belushi served as an executive producer on “According to Jim” and directed 30 episodes, adding to his earnings. He also composed the theme music for the series, showcasing his diverse talents and contributing further to his income stream. While specific salary details for “According to Jim” are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that his role as the lead actor, executive producer, and director provided a substantial portion of his net worth.
Belushi’s work extended beyond television and film, encompassing voice acting roles in animated projects such as “Aaahh!!! Real Monsters” (1994–1997), “Mighty Ducks” (1996–1997), “Hoodwinked!” (2005), “The Wild” (2006), “Rugrats” (2002), “What’s New, Scooby-Doo?” (2002), and “Casper’s Scare School” (2006). These roles, though often less visible than his live-action work, provided consistent income and contributed to his overall financial success.
In 2003, Belushi released the album “Have Love, Will Travel” with his Blues Brothers bandmate Dan Aykroyd. The album added to his musical ventures, complementing his role as Zee Blues in an updated version of The Blues Brothers band. While album sales figures are not readily available, the release broadened his creative scope and likely generated additional income.
Later in his career, Belushi appeared in the CBS series “The Defenders” from 2010 to 2011 and performed on Broadway in “Born Yesterday” in 2011. He also took on roles in films such as “The Ghost Writer” (2010), “New Year’s Eve” (2011), “Home Sweet Hell” (2015), and “The Whole Truth” (2016). His recurring role as William ‘Wick’ McFadden on Amazon Prime Video’s “Good Girls Revolt” from 2015 to 2016 and his appearance in the 2017 “Twin Peaks” revival further demonstrate his continued presence in the entertainment industry, contributing to his earnings.
In 1998, Jim Belushi was named Best Actor for “Retroactive” at the Málaga International Week of Fantastic Cinema.
Jim Belushi’s Real Estate Ventures
Jim Belushi’s real estate ventures provide insight into his financial decisions and asset management. In September 2017, he listed his 14,000 square foot mansion in Brentwood, California, for $38.5 million. Belushi had originally purchased the property for $8.3 million, indicating a substantial potential profit. The house, built in 2010, features six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms, a sauna, a screening room, a pool house, and a detached guest house.
Over several years, Belushi adjusted the asking price for the Brentwood mansion, reducing it to $29.995 million in June 2018 and $27.995 million in April 2019. In May 2020, he relisted the home for $38 million, then dropped the price again to $36.5 million. Ultimately, the property was sold in December 2021 for $30 million. The sale of this mansion significantly impacted Jim Belushi’s net worth, reflecting both the initial investment and the eventual return.
In addition to the Brentwood mansion, Belushi owns property in Eagle Point, Oregon, where he cultivates cannabis. This venture, known as Belushi’s Farm, includes signature brands such as The Blues Brothers, Captain Jack’s, and Belushi’s Secret Stash. His involvement in the cannabis industry represents a diversification of his income streams and contributes to his overall financial portfolio. In 2020, he starred in the Discovery reality TV series “Growing Belushi,” which documented his cannabis farming activities.
Other Ventures and Personal Life
Jim Belushi’s personal life has also seen some developments that have had indirect impacts on his net worth. He was first married to Sandra Davenport on May 17, 1980, and they had a son, Robert, born on October 23, 1980, before divorcing in 1988. He then married actress Marjorie Bransfield on September 22, 1990, divorcing in 1992. Belushi married Jennifer Sloan on May 2, 1998. Jennifer filed for divorce in 2018, but the two reconciled the following year.
In 2008, Belushi received honorary Albanian citizenship and the “Honor of the Nation” Decoration. Jim is a sports fan and supports the Chicago Bulls, Cubs, Bears, Blackhacks, and Fire.
In 2004, Belushi filed a lawsuit against his neighbor, actress Julie Newmar, claiming that she destroyed his fence and “harassed and defamed” him after they had been feuding about the fact that Jim was building a second house on his lot. In 2006, they settled their differences and satirized their feud on an episode of “According to Jim.”
In 2011, Belushi, who suffers from gout, was hired by Savient Pharmaceuticals to star in their “Check Out Your Gout” campaign. The financial details of his endorsement deal were never publicly released.