Jim Belushi NamesSNLAmong 'Toughest Things I've Ever Done' — Including Divorce (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jim Belushi attends the SNL50: The Anniversary Special at 30 Rockefeller Center on February 16, 2025 in New York City.Photo:TheStewartofNY/WireImage

TheStewartofNY/WireImage

Jim Belushiis looking back on his time onSaturday Night Live.

When asked how the NBC late show changed his life on the red carpet atSNL50: The Anniversary Special, the 70-year-old comedian shared his gratitude for being a cast member on the show from 1983 to 1985 as well as joining the improv comedy group, Second City.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be part of the Second City in Chicago, which has gone 50 years, and Saturday Night Live, which has gone for years,” he told PEOPLE. “Both of these institutions have trained me, and given me a career.”

(l-r) Brad Hall as Ralph Curtis, Jim Belushi as Dale Butterworth, Julia Louis-Dreyfus as model during “You Win a Dollar” skit on ‘SNL’ on November 5, 1983.Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

Alan Singer/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank

“They were both the toughest things I’ve ever done, including divorce,” he continued. “They molded me into the comic actor, and the good career that I had today. I’m just grateful.”

From left: Jim Belushi and Jennifer Sloan attend the “Wonder Wheel” screening at Museum of Modern Art on November 14, 2017 in New York City.Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

He was previously married to Marjorie Bransfield and Sandra Davenport.

Jim has opened up about the challenges during his time on the sketch comedy show, which included becoming the first cast member to be fired and rehired.

When asked about being rehired in a2021Vultureinterview, he said, “Very simple: I was out of control. It was the best thing to ever happen to me. I was out of my mind. I was throwing a fire extinguisher at Dick Ebersol, a hissy fit.”

“SNLis the hardest thing I ever did, and that’s including divorce,” he added. “I survived it, barely. I went back to him with my tail between my legs. I drop the ego, I got humble. I stopped drinking the rest of that season.”

Jim Belushi as Gusty during the ‘Sketch’ skit on ‘SNL’ on November 19, 1983.Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

The actor went on to reflect on his older brother John’s experience on the show, saying, “John did four years and he quit. I said, ‘What the f—, man? What are you quitting for?’ He said, ‘Jim, it’s like high school: Senior year, you’ve got to move on.’ And I felt like I was in my sophomore year, and the second semester that year I finally got it.”

“Then I didn’t come back becauseLorne [Michaels]came,” he continued. “But that was because Dick put me in my place, rightfully, and had the courage to do it. I came back; I begged [him] for forgiveness, and he put me on probation. My wife at the time said, ‘You thrive on probation. You were on probation from freshman to senior year of high school. You operate better with boundaries.’”

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SNL50: The Anniversary Specialaired live on Sunday, Feb. 16, on NBC and Peacock.

source: people.com