Jim Belushi Recalls a Cherished Early Hollywood Memory
Jim Belushi recently spoke with PEOPLE about one of his favorite memories from the beginning of his career in Hollywood — a moment deeply connected to his late brother, John Belushi.
John Belushi, a comedian and musician celebrated for his work on Saturday Night Live and in The Blues Brothers, passed away in 1982 at the age of 33. During the conversation, Jim reflected on their shared experiences as both brothers and collaborators in the world of show business.
Remembering the Early Days
Speaking at the Song Sung Blue premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles on October 26, the 71-year-old actor and comedian recalled what he valued most about that time, when both he and John were just launching their entertainment careers.
“Those early days were pure energy. We were young, creative, and driven by our love for performing,” Jim shared.
Building a Legacy in Comedy and Music
Starting in 1975, John quickly rose to fame as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live. Alongside Dan Aykroyd, he developed the characters “Joliet” Jake Blues and Elwood Blues, which evolved into The Blues Brothers, a blues and soul band that merged comedy and music into a cultural phenomenon.
The duo made their musical debut on SNL in April 1978 and, after forming a complete band, went on to open for Steve Martin during his residency at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles later that September — a milestone that cemented their influence on both comedy and music history.
Author’s Summary: Jim Belushi fondly recalled his early Hollywood years, celebrating the creative spirit he shared with his brother John as they built their path from SNL to The Blues Brothers.