There have been hundreds upon hundreds of cast members and hosts who have made us laugh on SNL during its nearly 50 years of existence. John Belushi was the first. He appeared in “The Wolverines” sketch that cold opened the first episode ever on October 11, 1975. Feigning a heart attack to the “real” medical episode of his scene partner (writer Michael O’Donoghue), it was Belushi who stood out even though Chevy Chase got to say “Live from New York…”

A Second City and National Lampoon alum, his manic energy stood out among the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players. This extended to bits at the Weekend Update Desk, impersonating Beethoven and Brando and William Shatner as James T. Kirk, and Joe Cocker, and bringing his musical and dancing chops alongside Dan Aykroyd as The Blues Brothers. There’s his Samurai character or a (personal favorite) taped sketch where he extols the virtues of little chocolate donuts.

Chevy Chase left for silver screen stardom after one season, but it was Belushi who first broke through in theaters with National Lampoon’s Animal House in 1978. That was a year before he departed SNL. When he left, it was hard to imagine the show continuing without him. Of course it managed to though Belushi cast a wide and wild shadow with his contributions. #5 will be up soon!

John Belushi

Years on the Show: 1975-79