Hollywood mourns Judy Belushi, creative force behind The Blues Brothers

The actress and producer was 73 years old. According to American media, she passed away after a long battle with cancer.

"Our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to our sweet Judy yesterday, July 5th. Her unwavering dedication and creative genius alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi gave birth to The Blues Brothers, a timeless testament to the power of music and laughter," one can read on the Instagram account dedicated to the actor who passed away in 1982. In the comments, close ones and fans extend their condolences to the family and write that Judy and John are finally together again.

Together with her husband, she worked on the set of "Saturday Night Live," and appeared in "The Blues Brothers," "Animal House," and "Nothing Lasts Forever." She produced documentaries commemorating her late husband's work and helped create a TV series version of "The Blues Brothers."

Judy and John Belushi got married in 1973 and were together until his death.

The American comedian of Albanian descent, an Emmy Award winner, and a singer gained immortality from his role in the musical "The Blues Brothers." John Adam Belushi was born on January 24, 1949, in Chicago and tragically died on March 5, 1982, in West Hollywood, United States.

He drew attention in the early 70s as a Chicago comedy group The Second City member. He gained fame by appearing on "Saturday Night Live." The audience loved him. Meanwhile, to stay on top and provide strong emotions for himself, he turned to substances. A lethal dose of a so-called speedball, an injected mix of cocaine and heroin, killed him.

Bob Woodward described the star's life in the 1985 biography "Wired: The Short Life and Fast Times of John Belushi." Many friends and collaborators of the artist, including his wife Judy, Dan Aykroyd, and his brother James Belushi, were interviewed for the book. The book was adapted into a 1989 film directed by Larry Peerce. At that time, 24-year-old Michael Chiklis played the actor.