Tuesday I watched a documentary about John Belushi. For reasons I can’t quite explain, the circumstances surrounding his death have always been fascinating to me. If any one of those things happened differently, he might not have died so soon. Though his drug abuse would have likely ended him sooner rather than later. Better to burn out than to fade away?
Tonight, Stripes is on with Bill Murray. And I wonder about whether Bill Murray’s career was helped by Belushi ‘s death? On that note, what about Chevy Chase’s career?
What if Belushi lived to see Ghostbusters become a smash hit after his having done some flops before he died?
Dammit now I’m trying to picture what Spies Like Us would be like if Belushi were in it like he was supposed to.
Need to shut off my brain and sleep!
hebspeaks 
Belushi was one of many talents gone too soon. He, like John Candy and Chris Farley, is one of those stars that always makes me ask “what if…” I have read about many projects that were intended for stars that passed away before it was completed. One can only wonder ….
You mention Bill Murray and Chevy Chase, I have wondered the same about Mike Myers, who got the Shrek voice over gig because Farley passed away. I have a feeling Belushi and Aykroyd would have gone on to make many movies together, which makes me sad. They worked so well together.
I was at the store this week and added a book to my “to read” list – “Wild and Crazy Guys” by Nick De Semlyen. On the cover – Belushi, Aykroyd, Murray, Chase, Steve Martin, and Eddie Murphy. I need to pick it up and read it.
Remember those stores where you could pick out your own T and iron on design? I had a “wild andmcrazy kid” shirt when I was a kid (loved Steve Martin). My flag would be half mast when he dies. Don’t get me started on Phil Hartman (I still mourn his very, very senseless and untimely death).
Yes I do! I had quite a few shirts like that. Seems like that’s what we would get when we went up north on vacation. They always had the iron on designs up on a wall, and then they’d make it for you on that big press.
We were just talking about Steve Martin at work last night. Talked about many of his films. I have a couple of his albums, both comedy and music.
Phil Hartman – what a talent! I agree. I remember the day I heard about it – I thought my buddy was pulling my leg. Senseless indeed!!