Jim Belushi Shares Early Hollywood Memory Featuring Late Brother John
Jim Belushi spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about a cherished moment from his early Hollywood career involving his late brother, John Belushi. John, known for his comedy and music, notably on Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers, passed away in 1982 at the age of 33.
John Belushi’s Rise to Fame
Starting in 1975, John quickly became a standout comedy star as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live. Alongside Dan Aykroyd, he created the iconic characters “Joliet” Jake Blues and Elwood Blues, forming the blues and soul band The Blues Brothers.
Key Career Milestones
- The Blues Brothers made their first musical appearance on SNL in April 1978.
- They later expanded to a full band and opened for Steve Martin during a residency at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles in September 1978.
“What I loved most about that time was the excitement of building our careers together,” Jim Belushi reflected at the Song Sung Blue premiere at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles on October 26.
About the Interviewers
Erin Clack, a staff editor at PEOPLE, has covered fashion, parenting, and pop culture for over 15 years. Scott Huver, a writer-reporter at PEOPLE, has more than 20 years of experience reporting on entertainment, celebrity news, and the Los Angeles area.
Summary: Jim Belushi fondly recalls the early days of his and John Belushi’s careers, highlighting their creative partnership and the rise of The Blues Brothers during the late 1970s Hollywood scene.