Nelson Lyon

Nelson Lyon (February 28, 1939 – July 17, 2012) was an American writer, actor, photographer and film director, known for his directorial debut The Telephone Book (1971). He started working in advertising and later as a writer for Saturday Night Live during the early 1980s. He attended Columbia University.[1] In the 1960s was an active member of the counterculture movement and was friendly with several key figures like Andy Warhol and William Burroughs.[2][3]

Nelson Lyon
Born(1939-02-28)February 28, 1939
Troy Hills, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedJuly 17, 2012(2012-07-17) (aged 73)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of Columbia
Occupation
  • Screenwriter
  • actor
  • film director
  • photographer
Years active1971–2005
Children2

In 1983 he became known as the last person to see John Belushi alive. He took part in the three-day binge that killed Belushi and later testified against Cathy Evelyn Smith before a grand jury in exchange for immunity from prosecution. According to his account, on March 2, 1982 Belushi showed up at his home with Smith, who injected him and Belushi with what appeared to be cocaine. The next few days were a bit of a haze, going from Lyon's home to a private club on Sunset Strip and finally to Belushi's bungalow at the Chateau Marmont. There Smith continued giving the two men injections. Lyon said he left the bungalow on March 5 at around 3:30 a.m, Smith staying behind with Belushi. Belushi was found dead there later that day.[3]

After Belushi's death, Lyon's character was stained by his association with the case and he struggled to find work. According to Mark Mothersbaugh, a close friend, "in his later years he was dependent on the largess of his friends".[3] He died of liver cancer on July 17, 2012.

Filmography

Film
Year Title Credit Notes
1971The Telephone BookDirector, screenwriterfilm debut
1977The BaronScreenwriter
1988Spike of BensonhurstCo-Produceralternative title: Mafia Kid
1994FlounderingChief Merryl Fence
1996BajaNelson(final film role)

Television
Year Title Role Notes
1981–1982Saturday Night LiveWriter20 episodes

References
  1. "Nelson Lyon". IMDB. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  2. Warhol, Andy. "Nelson Lyon". Crystalbridges.com. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  3. Fox, Margalit (July 22, 2012). "Nelson Lyon, TV Writer Steeped in the Counterculture, Dies at 73". The New York Times. Retrieved May 17, 2020.


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