John Belushi Must Die

In 1982 commedian/actor/writer/musician John Belushi died from an overdose of heroin and cocaine. He was 33 and not even close to his peak of stardom. His death sent shock waves through America, which only had a handful of SNL episodes and four movies with which to remember him. Two decades later people are still asking "Why not Robin Williams?" Yet, one of the effects of his death was the casting of Bill Murray as Dr. Peter Venkman in the movie Ghostbusters-- probably the single greatest justification for the death of anyone, ever.

Ghostbusters has been making audiences laugh for more than twenty years. The catchy theme song, the T-shirt ready anti-ghost symbol, and hundreds of quotable one-liners have turned this film from box office smash, to cult classic, to a true piece of Americana. But an amazing piece of Hollywood lore is that the role of Peter Venkman, the main character of the film, was written for John Belushi. True, as Dan Aykroyd conceived the role, Belushi and not Murray was intended for the wise ass, dead pan hero.

But fate, or perhaps someone else, had other plans. On March 5th, 1982 Belushi, Robin Williams, and Robert Deniro had a little party time. Williams and Deniro would leave, but Belushi would be found dead from a lethal does of H and coke.

One has to wonder (and many probably have) what would have happened had Belushi lived. What would the world be like with a Ghostbusters starring John Belushi. Perhaps Robin Williams hogs all of the speedballs, Belushi lives, and the world is free of Mrs. Doubtfire, Jumanji, RV, Patch Adams, etc.. Yet, I think the world would be a sorrier place. As good as Belushi was, Peter Venkman was a role Murray was born to play. Murray's star was rising on its own with the success of Stripes and Caddyshack. But his performance in GB not only helped fashion one of the great modern American comedies, it made possible a body of work that has continually grown impressive.

Belushi had to die.

Would I, if I had the power now, bring him back to life? Just to be clear, I'm talking about a Jesus-like supernatural power to raise a human being from the grave and restore him to perfect health. But at a price? The price to bring Belushi back, to exercise this biblical power, and to restore a family a lot son and brother-- he must star in Ghostbusters. Murray is out. Think on this and its implications. A classic possibly ruined. Bill Murray never catches on and pursues a golf career. We lose a treasure trove of great performances. Two years later Belushi is burned to death smoking crack.

No, I would not bring Belushi back. He stays dead, his family still mourns, but the world rejoices. And I think God would back me up on this one.