Followed by a Q & A with Judy Belushi Pisano
Please join us for this special Fundraiser. Proceeds will go toward helping the Film Center with the purchase of a new Christie 4K Laser Projector. A much needed upgrade to our projection system.
Director R.J. Cutler takes a revealing look at the brilliant life of comedic legend John Belushi. Known for his iconic characters and sketches on both stage and screen, few people knew his personal side, until now. Never-before-seen photos, letters and home-movies give intimate access to the world-famous superstar. Family and friends who knew him best share intimate memories, including Dan Aykroyd, Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Penny Marshall, Lorne Michaels and Harold Ramis.
“Through previously unreleased interviews, voice recordings, and archival footage, the film not only explores Belushi’s uncommon success, but also his enduring impact on comedy and music.” – The Saturday Evening Post
JUDITH BELUSHI PISANO
Born Judith Victoria Jacklin, it took Judy years to become Judith Belushi Pisano, an accomplishment she credits to her incredible willpower and sense of humor.
As Judith Jacklin, she fell in love with her high school sweetheart, John Belushi, a young man with an interest in theater, music and little chocolate donuts. He also had a talent for making people laugh. For the next decade and a half, Judy and John were catapulted through the entertainment world, from Chicago’s famed Second City, to humor conglomerates The National Lampoon and Saturday Night Live, ultimately landing in the world of movies and music.
Along the way, Judy worked for both the National Lampoon Magazine (in the art department) and Radio Hour (from assistant to Producer); co-wrote and designed trade paperbacks of the humorous variety, includingTitters: the First Collection of Humor By Women, The Mom Book, Titters 101: An Introduction to Women’s Literature.
In 1977, John and fellow SNL cohort, Dan Aykroyd, created the characters Jake and Elwood Blues, aka the Blues Brothers. Shortly thereafter, John, Dan and Judy established Phantom/Black Rhino Enterprises and opened offices in NYC where together they nurtured, produced and promoted the brand and their other projects. During this era, they released four Blues Brothers’ albums (Briefcase Full of Blues, 1978; The Blues Brothers soundtrack, 1980; Made in America, 1980; and Best of the Blues Brothers,1981), managed two tours and developed the 1980 film, The Blues Brothers. Judy also acted as Art Director for Phantom/Black Rhino, designing the classic Blues Brothers logo, the first four albums, merchandise and a trade paperback, Blues Brothers: Private. Both the Blues Brothers logo and book were recognized with national design awards. She also co-wrote Blues Brothers: Private.
Since John’s death in 1982, Judy produced SNL’s The Best of John Belushi, wrote two non-fiction books (Samurai Widow and Belushi), chaired some interesting local and national foundations; helped found a national blues club called The House of Blues; and worked with Passion Pictures on a biography of John Belushi called BELUSHI (Showtime), released in 2020. Along the way, she raised four beautiful children and is now knee deep in a glorious garden of grandchildren.
Of late, Judy has dedicated much of her free time to songwriting, and is currently assembling her songs for her much anticipated (72 years!) album debut, Best Days. Stay tuned.
