Jim Belushi Recalls a Favorite Moment of His Early Career in Hollywood — and How It Involves Late Brother John (Exclusive)

Jim Belushi Reflects on Memorable Early Career Moment with Brother John

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jim Belushi took a trip down memory lane to recount a cherished moment from his early days in Hollywood, one that involved his late brother, John Belushi. John, a renowned comedian and musician famous for his roles on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and in ‘The Blues Brothers’, tragically passed away in 1982 at the age of 33.

During the conversation at the Song Sung Blue premiere at AFI Fest in Los Angeles, Jim, now 71 and a respected actor and comedian in his own right, shared his deep affection for the time when he and John were paving their paths in showbiz. Starting in 1975, John rose to prominence as an original cast member on SNL and, alongside Dan Aykroyd, developed their iconic characters of “Joliet” Jake Blues and Elwood Blues, forming The Blues Brothers, a successful blues and soul band.

One standout moment for Jim was when John and Aykroyd opened for Steve Martin at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles in September 1978. Jim fondly recalls the magic of those shows and the pride he felt watching his brother shine. John and Aykroyd later achieved further success with a double-platinum album and the hit movie ‘The Blues Brothers’ in 1980.

Tragically, just two years after the movie’s release, John passed away from a drug overdose. In the wake of his brother’s untimely death, Jim stepped in to keep the Blues Brothers legacy alive, performing as Zee Blues alongside Aykroyd. Even today, Jim and Aykroyd continue to honour John’s memory by performing as the Blues Brothers, with recent shows including a performance in Leesburg, Virginia.

Reflecting on his involvement in the Blues Brothers performances, Jim shared that initially, he was hesitant about stepping into the role. However, Aykroyd convinced him by likening the situation to a law firm where a family member takes over after a partner passes away. Embracing the opportunity, Jim has been enjoying his time on stage for the past 25 years, sharing the joy of music and dance alongside Aykroyd.

Jim’s connection to music extends beyond the stage, as he delves into the musical world in his latest film, ‘Song Sung Blue’. The biographical drama follows the real-life story of musicians Mike and Claire Sardina, portrayed by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson, respectively. Jim steps into the role of the couple’s manager, Tom D’Amato, in a film that explores the challenges and triumphs of forming a Neil Diamond tribute band in the late 1980s.

As Jim discusses his experience working on ‘Song Sung Blue’, he praises the talents of his co-stars Jackman and Hudson, describing them as “absolute thoroughbreds” in the industry. He highlights Hudson’s performance as particularly captivating and believes she deserves recognition for her work. The movie is set to hit theatres on December 25, offering audiences a glimpse into the world of music and perseverance.

Jim’s interview with PEOPLE provides a touching insight into his career journey, his enduring bond with his late brother, and his passion for music and performance. As he continues to celebrate John’s legacy through the Blues Brothers and explore new artistic avenues, Jim Belushi remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with his talent and heartfelt performances.