Wired (book)
| Company type | Nonfiction book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | Bob Woodward |
| Products | Biography of John Belushi |
Wired: The Short Life and Fast Times of John Belushi is a 1984 nonfiction work authored by American journalist Bob Woodward, focusing on the life of actor and comedian John Belushi. The hardcover version features a 16-page section of monochrome photographs.
Interviews
Numerous close acquaintances and family members of Belushi, such as his widow Judith Belushi Pisano, Dan Aykroyd, and James Belushi, participated in extensive interviews but later condemned the book for being exploitative and not accurately reflecting Belushi’s character. In response, Pisano authored her own memoir, Samurai Widow (1990), aiming to correct the portrayal presented in Wired.
Reception
In 2013, Tanner Colby, who co-wrote Belushi: A Biography alongside Pisano, observed that although many stories in Wired were factual, Woodward often overlooked or omitted their full context. For example, Woodward characterized Belushi as "lazy and undisciplined" during the production of Animal House, yet other cast members recalled that much of the scene was improvised by Belushi himself. Actress Blair Brown accused Woodward of deception during interviews about their collaboration on Continental Divide. Colby also pointed out Woodward’s emphasis on drug addiction at the expense of highlighting important events such as Belushi’s determination to overcome his dependency, concluding that while factually accurate, the book offers a partial and incomplete narrative.
Dan Aykroyd publicly rejected Wired. In a 1984 televised interview, he described it as "pulpy and trashy," arguing that Woodward neglected to acknowledge Belushi’s intellect, dedication to his craft, and warmth. Aykroyd further claimed that Woodward avoided addressing significant matters like police inquiries related to drug dealers. He also suggested that much of the writing was carried out by Woodward’s research assistant John Ward Anderson—a point Woodward confirmed in the book’s introduction, crediting Anderson with substantial research and writing support.
Bill Murray expressed criticism toward Woodward’s dependence on sources "far outside [Belushi's] inner circle" during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. Murray refused to participate in interviews for the book, labeling it "criminal" and "cruel," stating it "destroyed my friend’s reputation." He likened reading it to being unjustly accused and voiced strong displeasure with how Belushi was depicted. Reportedly, Murray and Woodward had a “tense” confrontation about the book at the Kennedy Center in 2025.
Film adaptation
The narrative was transformed into the 1989 motion picture Wired, which was met with largely negative critical reception. Michael Chiklis took on the role of Belushi, while J.T. Walsh portrayed Woodward.