Who was Judith Belushi Pisano? Former wife of late comedian John Belushi passes away at 73

Judith Belushi Pisano, former wife of American comedian and actor John Belushi, has passed away. A statement from John Belushi's Instagram page on July 6, 2024, announced the news, accompanied by images of Judith and him in their yesteryears.

"Today, our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet Judy."

The tribute post went on to mention Judith and John's lifework while adding,

"There was no one like her. Judy made everyone feel loved. She was nonjudgemental, light, funny and pure. You could truly be yourself around her, that alone was a gift. The Belushi and Pisano families will carry your love in their hearts forever."

As per The Martha's Vineyard Times, she passed away after a long battle with cancer.

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Judith Belushi Pisano's career explored

Born in 1951 in Wheaton, Illinois, Judith Belushi Pisano became an actress and producer. She was best known for The Blues Brothers (1980), National Lampoon Animal House (1978), and Blue Brothers.

Judith Belushi met John Belushi in high school and married him in 1976. Unfortunately, the SNL legend died in 1982, due to a drug overdose. Before his death, the two were known to have worked together— they would host SNL together and throw after-parties at their house.

While talking about John in an interview with People in 2020, Judith called him a "full human being - caring and adventurous and kind." She recalled he not only made people laugh but also made them feel."

Judith went on to carry his legacy by hosting a screening of the film, John Belushi: Dancing On the Edge, and another show on The Blues Brothers with Dan Aykroyd.

As per the post on John Belushi's social media,

"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."

After her husband's Saturday Night Live became a hit, he, Judith, and Dan Aykroyd discovered Martha's Vineyard, where Judith is known to have spent her last years writing songs.

She also produced an award-winning documentary about John Belushi in 2020, Belushi, which included John's unheard audio tapes and home movies. After Judith's death was announced, more tributes from friends came in. Stephen Bishop who appeared in The Blue Brothers, took to Instagram saying,

"I have fond memories of working and hanging out with Judy and John. She was always kind to me and stayed in touch through the years. I so enjoyed seeing her at Animal House reunions. My memories of her are filled with warmth and affection. I'll always cherish them."

After John's death, Judith Belushi went on to marry producer Victor Pisano in 1990, before filing for divorce in 2010. As per The Martha's Vineyard Times, Judith was diagnosed in 2020 with endometrial cancer and entered into hospice care in 2023. Her son, Luke Pisano, said, "We're going to miss her terribly," and described his mother as a "great mother, beloved sister, and a special person."

Judith Belushi Pisano is survived by her four children and her grandchildren.