Net Worth Ranker
What Is John Belushi’s Net Worth?
At the time of his untimely passing in March 1982, John Belushi’s net worth was estimated to be $2 million. Adjusting for inflation, this is equivalent to approximately $5 million in today’s dollars. While specific details regarding the breakdown of his assets are not publicly available, his net worth would have encompassed earnings from his work as an actor, comedian, writer, and musician.
Early Career and “Saturday Night Live” Earnings
John Belushi’s career trajectory significantly impacted his financial standing. His early work in Chicago with the comedy troupe, the West Compass Trio, led to his joining The Second City in 1971. While specific income figures from these early performances are not available, these experiences laid the foundation for his later success.
His breakthrough came with “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in 1975. As one of the original cast members, Belushi’s salary would have increased over his four seasons on the show (1975-1979). Precise salary figures for “SNL” cast members in the 1970s are not readily accessible. However, it’s understood that original cast members earned modest salaries in the early seasons, which then increased as the show’s popularity grew.
In 1977, Belushi won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series for his work on “SNL,” which likely contributed to increased visibility and potentially higher earning potential.
Film Roles and Income
Belushi’s film career significantly boosted his income. “Animal House” (1978), where he played John Blutarsky, was a major box office success. While Belushi’s exact salary for “Animal House” is not publicly documented, the film’s success would have led to increased demand for his services and higher salaries for subsequent roles.
In 1979, Belushi appeared in “Old Boyfriends” and Steven Spielberg’s “1941”. His salary for these films isn’t public knowledge. “The Blues Brothers” (1980), which he starred in with Dan Aykroyd, was another significant film for Belushi. Again, Belushi’s exact compensation for this film remains private, but it is reasonable to assume a substantial salary given his rising star power and the film’s large-scale production.
His final film role was in “Neighbors” (1981). As with his other film roles, the precise salary details are not available publicly.
Music Career and Royalties
Belushi’s music career as Jake “Joliet Jake” Blues in “The Blues Brothers” added to his income stream. The Blues Brothers released the albums “Briefcase Full of Blues” (1978) and “Made in America” (1980). “Briefcase Full of Blues” reached the top of the Billboard charts and was certified multi-platinum. However, the specific royalties Belushi earned from album sales, radio play, and other music-related revenue streams are not publicly available.
It is important to note that while album sales generated revenue, artists typically receive a percentage of the royalties after the record label recoups its expenses. The specific contract terms and royalty rates for The Blues Brothers are not accessible to the public.
Personal Life and Spending Habits
John Belushi married Judith Jacklin on December 31, 1976. She made cameos in his films “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and “The Blues Brothers.” While there’s no direct financial impact documented regarding Judith’s cameos, they represent a facet of their shared professional and personal lives. John’s struggle with drug use had a significant impact on his personal and professional life. It resulted in him being fired and rehired at “SNL” multiple times, which likely affected his earnings and career trajectory.
Dan Aykroyd mentioned in a 2012 “Vanity Fair” interview that there was a budget for cocaine during the night shoots of “The Blues Brothers.” However, the amount is not known and whether or not Belushi used it is also not mentioned.
Real Estate and Assets
While details about John Belushi’s real estate holdings and personal assets are limited, it is known that he resided in a bungalow at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles at the time of his death. The specific details of the ownership or rental agreement for this property are not publicly accessible.
Death and Estate
John Belushi died on March 5, 1982, at the Chateau Marmont. His death was attributed to acute heroin and cocaine poisoning. Catherine Evelyn Smith admitted to providing him with the drugs and was later charged with involuntary manslaughter.
Belushi’s funeral was an Orthodox Christian service, and he was initially buried at Abel’s Hill Cemetery on Martha’s Vineyard. However, he was later reburied in an unmarked grave due to fans littering the area around his initial gravesite. The specific details of his will and the distribution of his estate are not publicly available.
Posthumous Recognition
In 2004, John Belushi received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a posthumous recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry. While this honor does not directly impact his net worth, it highlights his lasting legacy and enduring popularity.
