THE METEOR OF THE SCREEN
by Abaz Hoxha
first published in New Albania Magazine, May 1989
When ANIMAL HOUSE was released in 1978, it was considered the most powerful comedy in American history and the country's greatest film. The movie's success assumed extraordinary proportions, sweeping the continent and the entire world. The lead actor was acclaimed by the press and the public as the best comedian and the most popular actor in the United States. No other actor had ever received such acclaim. At the age of twenty-nine, John Belushi assumed the title of superstar.
Who was John Belushi?
He was born in 1949. His father, Adam Belushi, had emigrated in 1934 from Qytesa of Korca. His mother, Agnes, although born in America, was also of Albanian parentage. The mother of the great actor, who has visited Albania, says of her family, "We are proud of our Albanian heritage, and we remain faithful to our customs."
Leading American newspapers have eulogized John's brilliant acting. The New York Times and many other publications have described him as a "discovery" and his programs as the best, the funniest, the most hilarious. John was called the most humorous. Saturday Night Live was described by the media as a boom show.
Although he has died, his professional career is being continued by his brother Jim, who is carrying the Albanian surname, Belushi, to even greater peaks. Even though he is still young, his talent is maturing and he is enjoying greater popularity playing leading roles in some of the most expensive films now produced.
In the work of these brothers, we can see the continuation of a now recognized tradition of Albanian emigres. Wherever the Albanians have gone, they have distinguished themselves by their artistic spirit and by their honesty, intelligence, dignity, and desire to embrace things progressive and humane. The first generation of Albanian actors such as Tito Skipa, Aleksander Moisiu, and Elena Qirici has been followd by a new generation that includes John (Jovan) Belushi, who occupies a very special place.
As his mother writes to us, "Albania can rightly be proud of this son, because he was sincere, loving, and devoted to his family and his wife, Judith, the woman of his heart since his university years, his first and only love in all his life."
(Reproduced from Harper's Magazine)