Jim Belushi and Joaquin Phoenix: Stars Whose Fame Came After Siblings Died

Talent runs in families.

Hollywood clans often boast more than one star soaking up the limelight. With these siblings, it's a treat to see them act together. Families like the Carradines: David Carradine, Robert and Keith, the Baldwins: Alec Baldwin, William, Steven and Daniel and the Wayans: Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon, Kim, Shawn and Marlon fill the entertainment landscape with their lineage.

Sadly, some siblings can't perform together because of premature death. In two such examples, the lesser known became famous after the brother died: comic actor Jim Belushi and Oscar nominated Joaquin Phoenix. Brutal jokes about these entertainers wanting their brothers dead have made the circuit for years. There's truth in humor, however there's no indication these celebrities wanted anything but their talented brothers to be around as they all sought fame and fortune.

Still, there's no denying once the starlight of John Belushi and River Phoenix dimmed, their brother's shone forth brilliantly.

John Belushi

Twenty five years after funnyman Belushi died, there's still a magical quality about him.

He thundered onto NBC's Saturday Night Live in hilarious skits like Samurai Delicatessen and Greek restaurant guy shouting, "Cheeburger! Cheeburger!" Belushi's pudgy, but endearing face and distinctive bellow allowed him to be everything from a crazed weatherman barking about seasons, to one half of the comedy team which became his signature comic persona - Jake Blues of The Blues Brothers. Dan Ackroyd played Ellwood Blues and the blues music tribute duo proved so successful on SNL; it was translated into a hit film directed by John Landis. Belushi's breakout role was in another Landis movie, the college comedy classic Animal House.

I remember exactly when I learned of John Belushi's death. I was in my Mom's kitchen as a boy, listening to the radio. Belushi's love of drug excess had caught up with him. He overdosed at Hollywood's Chateau Marmont in 1982.

Jim Belushi