Los Angeles: Judy Belushi Pisano, the widow of comedian John Belushi and a former actress and producer, has died at the age of 73, People magazine reported. She died after a long battle with cancer, according to The Martha’s Vineyard Times. Belushi’s official social media account shared the news on Instagram and Facebook.
“Today, we are deeply saddened to say goodbye to our beloved Judy,” the statement said. “Her unwavering passion and creative genius, along with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi, gave birth to The Blues Brothers, a timeless testament to the power of music and laughter.” “In the years since John’s passing in 1982, Judy has honored his life and championed his legacy and the Blues Brothers brand,” the statement added. “As we bid him farewell, we pledge to carry on his work, ensuring that John’s legacy and the Blues Brothers will never fade.”
Judy was married to Belushi from 1976 to 1982, when he died of a drug overdose. She remarried Victor Pisano in 1990 before filing for divorce in 2010.
Friend and musician Stephen Bishop, who appeared in The Blues Brothers and contributed music to Animal House, paid tribute to Judy Belushi Pisano on Instagram. He shared a photo of himself with Judy and John Belushi and recalled the time they spent together.
“I have so many fond memories of working and hanging out with Judy and John. She was always kind to me and stayed in touch over the years. I enjoyed seeing her at the Animal House reunion,” he wrote. “The memories of her are full of warmth and affection. I will always cherish them.” Judy and John Belushi met in high school in Wheaton, Illinois, and married in 1976. In an interview with PEOPLE in 2020, Judy recalled her late husband saying, “You should probably break up with me because I want to be an actor and I’ll probably never make any money.” “But I always thought he would do well,” she said at the time. Judy Pisano was also deeply involved in the arts community in Martha’s Vineyard, organizing fundraisers for Martha’s Vineyard Community Services and the Martha’s Vineyard Playhouse, according to PEOPLE. Judy Belushi Pisano is survived by her children and grandchildren. (ANI)
