John Belushi
Cast Member: 1975-1979
Favorite Characters: “Joliet” Jake Blues, Samurai Futabai, Captain James T. Kirk
The son of Albanian immigrants, John Belushi joined the legendary Second City comedy troupe in 1971, before leaving for the National Lampoon Comedy Hour radio show in 1973. While not the first breakout star of SNL—Chevy Chase holds that honor—Belushi stood the test of time and is generally regarded as one of the most talented cast members the show has ever produced.
After fellow cast member Dan Ackroyd introduced him to the blues, they developed the Blues Brothers. Initially concieved just to warm up the crowd, the act became one of the most famous sketches the show ever produced, spawning a tour, a best-selling album and a successful movie.
Although he was an exceptionally gifted physical comedian, Belushi was equally adept at subtle humor. Often conveying complex emotions with a glance or the raising of a single eyebrow. A large man, Belushi was not afraid to do a fat joke, but he never let his size define who he was as a performer.
The...
January 10th, 2006 at 2:56 am
I see what you mean. I’d like to have Chris Farley on that list, but not bad enought to clear a spot for him. Good choices.
January 30th, 2006 at 9:33 pm
A talented list, true, but the one adjustment I’d make would be replacing one of the actors with another actress for the sake of versatility. Whom to replace? Tough call, but I see Mike Myers getting the boot. In favor of whom? There’s the problem: SNL is much better at developing male stars. Jane Curtin or Jan Hooks seem the most likely choices.
January 31st, 2006 at 10:17 am
I considered that, but in the end decided to judge solely on merit and impact to the show, rather than a quota system.
If I was to put another woman on, I’d probably go with Molly Shannon or Tina Fey before Curtin or Hooks — although Hooks was pretty damn funny.
February 9th, 2006 at 11:26 pm
It’s hard to take people off… I would love to add Dana Carvey, Steve Martin, Chris Farely or Martin Short… but I don’t know who I could take off. All I know for certain is the only funny thing on Saturday Night Live this season was the Chronic(what?)cles of Narnia. I really think the cast has suffered horribly.
February 9th, 2006 at 11:56 pm
Steve Martin was never a cast member.
Look it up.
February 28th, 2006 at 11:24 pm
Hmm it is hard to narrow down but I would have to say that I would dump Will Ferrell for Chris Farley anyday. Ferrell has his moments but Farley was something special, like Belushi those guys are once in an all too short lifetime.
I might also drop Gilda Radner for Dana Carvey.
Still its a funny group
March 7th, 2006 at 12:52 am
I would definately take off Will Farrell and flush him in the toilet. He is an unfunny creep that I imagine in my nightmares slowly trying to drive me insane.
April 4th, 2006 at 10:18 pm
I can’t believe nobody has mentioned Cheri Oteri! Not only does this list need more women… Cheri was CRAZY, but versatile. Anyone agree?
May 31st, 2006 at 3:40 pm
Great list, buddy. Phil Hartman never gets the credit he deserves. What a talent! I would have to say that I would drop Gilda for Cheri O’ teri as suggested, and I would definatley love Farley to be in there, but I couldn’t decide who to drop.
January 14th, 2007 at 2:25 am
January 19th, 2007 at 2:54 am
November 4th, 2007 at 5:51 am
April 7th, 2008 at 3:38 pm