From Saturday Night Live to Oregon cannabis farming, the versatile career of Jim Belushi.

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: James Adam Belushi has spent decades as a fixture of American entertainment, transitioning from the legendary stages of The Second City to television stardom and beyond. Beyond his screen presence, he has cultivated a life defined by diverse pursuits, ranging from musical performances to agricultural ventures in the Pacific Northwest.

Born in 1954 in Wheaton, Illinois, to Albanian immigrant parents, Jim Belushi followed his older brother John into the world of comedy. After graduating from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1978, he honed his craft with the Chicago-based theater troupe The Second City. His television career gained significant momentum following his tenure on Saturday Night Live between 1983 and 1985, eventually leading to his long-running lead role in the ABC sitcom According to Jim, which aired from 2001 to 2009.

Belushi’s filmography is extensive, featuring early roles in Thief and Trading Places, followed by lead performances in K-9 and Mr. Destiny. His career has also spanned voice acting for animated series like Hey Arnold! and various PC games, as well as musical endeavors, including touring with Dan Aykroyd as part of an updated iteration of The Blues Brothers. In 2008, he was recognized by the President of Albania, Bamir Topi, who granted him honorary citizenship and a national award for his contributions and connection to his ancestral heritage.

In recent years, Belushi has pivoted toward new interests, including the operation of a cannabis farm in Eagle Point, Oregon, which became the subject of the Discovery Channel series Growing Belushi. His life has not been without public friction, most notably a high-profile legal dispute with his neighbor, actress Julie Newmar, over property zoning in the mid-2000s. The two eventually resolved their differences in 2006 through a satirical guest appearance on his sitcom. Today, he continues to balance his various professional roles, including hosting duties on A&E's K9 PD with Jim Belushi.

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