From Hollywood Fame To Cannabis Farming: Where Is Jim Belushi Today?
Jim Belushi’s life seems to have made a complete turnaround from his Saturday Night Live (SNL) days, but some would say, what he’s doing today just reflects the deep, spiritual and free personality Belushi has always had. His decades-long successful career has earned Belushi credit in more than 150 films and television shows, along with a net worth of $50 million according to Celebrity Net Worth. Friendships with A-listers like Dan Aykroyd, Larry Joe Campbell and chef Guy Fieri have been cultivated throughout the years and he even takes the stage for a little rock n’roll now and then.
Born to Albanian parents in Chicago, Belushi joined older brother John, sister Marian and would later welcome younger brother Billy. John was famous for getting his start at The Second City Chicago theater group, as one of the original cast on SNL, films like Animal House and Blues Brothers. He tragically died in 1982 of a drug overdose.
Jim followed his brother to The Second City and on to the SNL stage while honing his comedic skills. His brother’s untimely death clearly impacted the direction Belushi took and remains a painful topic he talks about often. He’s been known to credit his brother for his personal success. Watching John rise to the top, encouraged Jim to do the same. He still makes it clear John is very much on his mind and present in his life, posting on social media for birthdays’, anniversaries and more, keeping John on everyone’s mind.
After spending several years as a comedian, Belushi hit the big screen with films like Trading Places, Little Shop of Horrors and Mr. Destiny. The roles put Belushi alongside Eddie Murphy, Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
While taking a variety of roles in movies, Belushi was also seen on the small screen with spots on I’m with Her, Less than Perfect and George Lopez. He’s perhaps most well known for the 2001 to 2009 series According to Jim with co-stars Courtney Thorne-Smith, Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Larry Joe Campbell. Belushi took animated roles in films like Hoodwinked! and in 2011’s New Year’s Eve among others, but he’s proven over the years that his skills go well beyond acting.
Belushi has long been a member of the band Sacred Hearts, the musicians behind the writing of music for According to Jim. Several band members were even regulars on the show.
In the meantime, friend and actor Dan Aykroyd invited Belushi to appear as Brother Z, the long-lost brother to his real brother’s character Jake in their Blues Brothers performances. Belushi took up the role in honor of his brother and his love for live performances, once saying he could see what his brother loved about the gig. The family friend and Belushi has since been seen performing for various events, including those at the House of Blues concert hall and restaurant, charities, casinos and celebrations.
In 2003, the pair released the Blues Brothers album, “Have Love, Will Travel”.
Despite a successful career in acting and music, Belushi’s chance encounter at the Rogue River in southern Oregon changed everything.
According to Belushi’s Farm, he purchased 13 acres on the Rogue River with 1,800 feet of riverfront property. The one-time Elks Lodge property included a stage, which hit Belushi close to the heart, a large outdoor barbecue pit, kitchen and several outbuildings, a 1950’s porcelain trough urinal in the men’s room, Belushi called “awesome” and a sweat lodge.
Belushi routinely holds events for the Elks Lodge community, Indigenous Americans, small town weddings and concerts. He set to work building a home using reclaimed woods and mortise and tenon construction (meaning no nails involved) just 75 feet from the river’s edge. After purchasing his neighbor’s property, Belushi had a total of 93 acres and began thinking about how he could best use the land he loved.
The 67-year-old has been vocal about his belief in medical cannabis and what marijuana could have done for his late brother if available. He chose to cultivate a variety of legal majruana for anyone to use for PTSD, medical illness, anxiety, pain and many more ailments.
In recent years, celebrities have invested in the cannabis products, like Snoop Dogg, Seth Rogen and Willie Nelson but Belushi chose to grow it himself. According to Men’s Health, he’s going on five seasons with a staff of 15 people and his cannabis is distributed in Oregon, Colorado, Oklahoma, Illinois and Massachusetts with hopes of extending his reach in the future.
Belushi is growing Chocolate Hashberry, Black Diamond OG, Grapefruit Kush and Cherry Pie and shares his love for cannabis in the Discovery documentary, Growing Belushi, a reality series that follows his journey.
Now, in its second season, the star is spreading his belief about the safety of cannabis and how much better it is than addictive drugs. “Everyone here knows that when this pot goes out, it’s going to relieve somebody of something,” Belushi said.
Sources: Celebrity Net Worth, Belushi's Farm, Men's Health
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