By Alban Tartari
It is easy and difficult at the same time to write about him. Because he has done a tremendous work; because he is an actor, musician, comedian and writer. He is just Jim for friends and you will find him being the same in Los Angeles or Tirana.
Does not love politics, but loves chatting and tasting Albanian raki. He is as hot-blooded as every Albanian on the face of the earth, loves to speak loudly as all Albanians do, but at the same time remains very gentle and polite as all the Kor袲 people are.
Jim Belushi is a pride of Albanians. He is the model of a successful immigrant family. There are nearly 1.5 million Albanian immigrants today all over the world, and Jim remains an inspiration for them and their children. He remains an inspiration for Albanian artists and young people.
He never forgot his roots and proudly says everywhere “I’m an Albanian”. That is why his people, Albanian people, talk about him with respect and love. That is why he is so popular and respected when he sets foot at Rinas Airport, when he is received from the President of Republic, when he meets people in the street, when he collaborates with Albanian businessŠ
I had the chance to speak with him during the last few days, on a trip to Istanbul, when he was received as an “Albanian King” from the Turkish media and people. Jim was there to continue the collaboration with Eagle Mobile, a well known Albanian mobile operator.
Jim, please tell us something about your family
I’ve been growing up in Albanian community in US. Thanks to my father we were successful in our life. He said to us: be proud that you are Albanians. He was a hard working man who emigrated from his country to US. My father, Adam, was just a child of 16 years old when he immigrated to search for a better life.
He did everything in order to give us a prosperous life. There is also the impact of my brother John, who helped me and assisted me on the way of art.
Our family’s origin is from Qyteza, a small beautiful village in Kor衮 I’m really proud for Albania and for what it gave to me.
You wrote your name among the biggest names of cinema in history. Are you satisfied with your career until now?
Well, a true artist is never satisfied with what he has done. But I’m glad that I realized my dream. And I feel good when people come to me for a photo or an autograph. You realize that you have done something for them and yourself. I think that I have a lot more to give and will continue to work in this direction. I like to communicate with the people through my work, my films and music.
Which movie would you qualify as the best for you?
Well, it is difficult. You are asking me to separate one of my “children” from the others (laughs). I worked with so talented people.
Music is another part of your spirit and your life. How did you get involved in this field?
I had a love and desire for music since my childhood. My brother John also was an inspiration for me.
My music career started when Dan Aykroyd asked me to join the Blues Brothers Band as Brother Zee- a daunting proposition, even for me. Sure, I’ve been on stage for years, but comedy and theatre are one thing (well, two things) but it’s not like I’d ever fronted a blues band before.
That is a part of my life now and I love that as much as I love the film and theatre. I’m glad that we have concerts and tours nationwide in US. But I’m very happy because I also performed in Albania, at the Palace of Congresses and at Mother Teresa Square.
The thing is that I cannot live without music anymore. And I’ll continue to sing and perform as much as I can.
Time by time you are turning back to Albania… how did that happen?
I love to come to Albania. I saw my country of origin for the first time in 1995. I came here with my father. From that time I’m coming again and again as you said. Each time I came back to Albania I’m amazed from the progress made not only physically but also emotionally. People are optimistic. The cities seem beautiful and the business is working despite the crisis everywhere.
I feel myself very welcomed, very good in here. I’ve been received by the President of Republic and other personalities. I’m proud to have taken the citizenship of my origin, Albanian Citizenship from the hand of President Topi. I said in there and I’m saying it again: I’m proud to be Albanian!
Do you plan to come back and live in Albania?
Well, it is a desire of mine. I came a lot and I visited Qyteza and I may say that in my plans there is also a considerable place for that beautiful village. I want to rebuild the old house of my father. I want to revitalize my roots in here. I know that it will be difficult because all my life is in US. But I cannot stay away from Albania anymore. I’ll come and go as often as I’ll be able to.
What can you say about the collaboration with Eagle Mobile?
I’m glad to be cooperating with such a serious and successful company. I’m an actor and Eagle hired me to do these very funny and charming commercials. I like this. I think they are smart.
We had the chance to travel across the whole country and my Eagle cell phone was working everywhere perfectly. I congratulate them for the work done in such a short period of time.
I also appreciate Eagle’s social projects, something that I emphasized also to Albanian journalists. I am very happy to give my contribution for the social issues of Albania. I like to be part of a company that has terrific values.
What is your message for Albanian people?
The people of this country are vigorous and dynamic. They should use this energy for good deeds and prosperity. They are hard working people. Look at their success abroad. The country is changing for better and the work and energy of the people is decisive.
They should show to the world the real Albanian values. That is why I encourage them, as one of them, to work hard as we did all around the world.
And for my fellow immigrants; turn back and invest in Albania, support Albania’s economy and the Albanian people. This will push the country forward. (Taken from Eagle Mag.)
