Jim Belushi Reflects on His Brother John's Blues Brothers Role
Jim Belushi recently shared his favorite memory from his early Hollywood days, focusing on his late brother, John Belushi, and one of his most iconic roles.
John Belushi’s Breakthrough in Comedy and Music
John was one of the first breakout stars of the original 1975 “Saturday Night Live” cast. Along with fellow cast member Dan Aykroyd, he co-created The Blues Brothers — a musical act that combined blues and soul with comedy.
The Blues Brothers' Early Success
The duo first performed as The Blues Brothers on SNL in April 1978. They quickly transformed the act into a full band, gaining significant popularity.
- By September 1978, they were the opening act for Steve Martin at the Universal Amphitheater in Los Angeles.
- Jim recalled attending these shows and described John’s performance as “magnificent.”
“I loved that moment, to see my brother just hit the top of his chart.” — Jim Belushi
Tragic End and Jim’s Role Continuation
John Belushi passed away on March 5, 1982, due to a suspected drug overdose. After his death, Jim took over his brother’s role as Zee Blues, performing alongside Aykroyd’s Elwood Blues at Aykroyd’s request.
Recent Appearances
Jim, now 71, shared these reflections during the premiere of his film Song Sung Blue at the AFI Fest in Hollywood last October.
Author’s summary: Jim Belushi fondly recalls watching John Belushi rise to fame as part of The Blues Brothers, marking a cherished highlight before John's untimely death.