A big hit in the 1980s, the “Blues Brothers," has long been considered as one of the greatest musical films of all time. With a powerhouse cast, a fun but serious plot, lots of energy, and loads of talent, it’s not all that surprising. Led by John Belushi as the ex-convict Jake Blues, the story revolves around a blues band who attempts to solve the problem of securing $5000 for a nun-run orphanage by pulling off a big gig. Dan Aykroyd who played Jake’s brother, Elwood, together with Reverend Cleophus James (James Brown), work with Jake to re-form their old group and stage the benefit concert. Here’s what happened to the “Blues Brothers" after their movie became a phenomenal hit.



Unfortunately, John Belushi met his untimely death due to drug overdose barely two years after the release of the “Blues Brothers." He was found dead in a room at Chateau Marmount on Sunset Strip. A drug dealer named Cathy Smith was convicted of injecting Belushi with a lethal dose of cocaine and heroin. Although she served 18 months in prison, Belushi’s costars and colleagues agreed that putting her in jail can’t bring back the lost genius that is Belushi.

Another death marred the future of the “Blues Brothers" cast when James Brown died on the Christmas of 2006 due to pneumonia. However, unlike Belushi, he had left a string of memorable roles after his portrayal of Reverend Cleophus James in the “Blues Brothers." Brown was cast in similar roles requiring his talent for singing the blues in movies like “Rocky IV" and “Doctor Detroit." Brown also guest-starred as a singer in an episode of the popular TV series “Miami Vice." Controversies also hounded Brown as he served time in jail for domestic assault charges and leading the police in a car chase in Georgia in 1988.

Dan Aykroyd is the only surviving “Blues Brothers" and the most successful although he may not have the same immortalized status as Belushi. He has starred in some this decade’s most popular and top-grossing comedy films like “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" and “50 First Dates" with Adam Sandler. He also stars in the TV show “Saturday Night Live" and was even credited as the first male regular of the show to receive an Oscar nomination.

But Aykroyd’s talent is not just for making people laugh with his witty comments and repartees. He also starred in the critically acclaimed war movie “Pearl Harbor" in 2001 as Capt. Thurman. Aykroyd also dabbled in writing scripts and episodes for the “Ghostbusters" franchise and “Coneheads." Whereas the other two “Blues Brothers" have had run-ins with the law, Aykroyd even holds a position in the advisory commission of Payne City, Georgia’s Police Department.