50 Facts About Dan Aykroyd

Early Life and Education

Dan Aykroyd's journey to stardom began in Ottawa, Canada, where his family played a significant role in shaping his interests.

1. Dan Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, to Lorraine Hélène Gougeon and Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd, a civil engineer.
2. His father, Samuel, had a strong interest in the paranormal, which influenced Dan's fascination with the supernatural.
3. Growing up in Ottawa, Aykroyd developed a unique sense of humor and creativity.
4. He attended Carleton University in Ottawa, where he studied criminology but eventually dropped out to pursue comedy.

Early Career in Comedy

Before becoming a household name, Aykroyd honed his comedic skills in various settings.

5. Aykroyd began his career in comedy in the early 1970s, performing in various comedy troupes and clubs in Canada.
6. His early work laid the foundation for his future success, showcasing his versatility and talent.

Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Aykroyd's big break came when he joined the cast of SNL, where he quickly became a fan favorite.

7. In 1975, Aykroyd joined the cast of SNL as one of the original members of "The Not Ready for Prime Time Players."
8. Initially hired as a writer, he soon became a part of the cast, known for his energetic performances and unique characters.
9. Aykroyd is famous for creating and portraying several iconic characters on SNL, including Beldar Conehead, Elwood Blues, and E. Buzz Miller.
10. During his time on SNL, he received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won one for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977.
11. Aykroyd left SNL in 1979 to pursue a career in film but continued to make guest appearances.

Transition to Film

Aykroyd's film career took off with a series of successful movies that showcased his range as an actor.

12. His early film roles included Steven Spielberg’s 1941 (1979), The Blues Brothers (1980), Neighbors (1981), and Trading Places (1983).
13. One of his most iconic roles is Dr. Raymond "Ray" Stantz in Ghostbusters (1984), which he co-wrote with Harold Ramis.
14. Aykroyd appeared in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), playing an escort with a British accent.
15. He co-wrote and starred in the spy comedy film Spies Like Us (1985).
16. In Dragnet (1987), Aykroyd played Detective Joe Friday, bringing humor to the classic police procedural.
17. Aykroyd received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Driving Miss Daisy (1989).

Iconic Roles and Characters

Aykroyd's ability to create memorable characters has been a hallmark of his career.

18. He brought his SNL character Beldar Conehead to life in the film Coneheads (1993).
19. In Grosse Pointe Blank (1997), Aykroyd played Paul Sack, a hitman with a penchant for nostalgia.
20. He lent his voice to the animated film Antz (1998).
21. In Pearl Harbor (2001), Aykroyd played General Billy Mitchell.
22. Aykroyd starred alongside Adam Sandler in 50 First Dates (2004).
23. In The Campaign (2012), he played Wade Motch, a wealthy businessman.
24. Aykroyd appeared in Behind the Candelabra (2013), a biographical drama about Liberace.

Entrepreneurial Ventures

Beyond acting, Aykroyd has found success in various business ventures.

25. He co-founded the House of Blues, a live concert venue and restaurant chain, in 1992.
26. Aykroyd moved into the wine and spirits business, co-founding Crystal Head Vodka in the 2000s.
27. The vodka brand has received several awards and become synonymous with Aykroyd’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Aykroyd's personal life and philanthropic efforts reveal a man dedicated to making a difference.

28. He has been married to actress Donna Dixon since 1983, and the couple has three children together.
29. Aykroyd has spoken publicly about his diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome at age 12 and his later diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.
30. He is involved in various charitable organizations, including the Crystal Head Foundation, which supports causes related to the paranormal and the environment.

Musical Talents

Aykroyd's musical talents have also been recognized and celebrated.

31. He received a Grammy nomination for The Blues Brothers Band’s album Live at the Beacon Theatre.
32. Aykroyd’s deep and distinctive voice has become recognizable to audiences worldwide.
33. His unique vocal style has been a hallmark of his career, whether acting in films or lending his voice to animated projects.

Impact on Entertainment

Aykroyd's contributions to entertainment are vast and varied.

34. His collaboration with John Belushi was instrumental in shaping his career.
35. Aykroyd starred alongside John Candy in The Great Outdoors (1988).
36. He married actress Donna Dixon, who won the title of Miss Virginia USA in 1980.
37. Aykroyd has been a favorite among Hollywood directors and producers.
38. In Rolling Stone’s February 2015 appraisal of all 141 SNL cast members to date, Aykroyd was ranked fifth.
39. He is often described as the least imitated cast member of SNL.
40. Aykroyd’s manic intensity on SNL was a defining characteristic of his time on the show.
41. He is famous for his impersonations of celebrities such as Jimmy Carter, Vincent Price, Richard Nixon, Rod Serling, Tom Snyder, and Julia Child.
42. Aykroyd was known for his recurring roles on SNL, including Beldar Conehead, Yortuk Festrunk, E. Buzz Miller, Irwin Mainway, Fred Garvin, and Leonard Pinth-Garnell.
43. He and Jane Curtin parodied the Point/Counterpoint segment on the CBS news show.
44. Aykroyd was a close friend and partner with fellow cast member John Belushi.

Health and Advocacy

Aykroyd has used his platform to raise awareness about health conditions and advocate for others.

45. He has spoken publicly about his diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome at age 12.
46. Aykroyd was also diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in the early 1980s.

Legacy in Entertainment

Dan Aykroyd's legacy in entertainment is multifaceted and enduring.

47. The Blues Brothers Band received a Grammy nomination for their album Live at the Beacon Theatre.
48. Aykroyd is involved in various charitable organizations, including the Crystal Head Foundation.
49. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, from his iconic roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers to his entrepreneurial ventures.
50. Aykroyd’s versatility as an actor is one of his greatest strengths, playing a wide range of roles from comedic characters to dramatic ones.

Dan Aykroyd's Lasting Legacy

Dan Aykroyd has left an undeniable mark on entertainment. From his early days on Saturday Night Live to iconic roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers, his versatility and unique humor have made him a beloved figure. Beyond acting, Aykroyd's entrepreneurial spirit shines through ventures like House of Blues and Crystal Head Vodka. His philanthropic efforts and openness about his diagnoses of Tourette’s and Asperger syndrome further highlight his multifaceted personality. Whether through his memorable characters, entrepreneurial successes, or charitable work, Aykroyd continues to inspire and entertain. His legacy in comedy, film, and beyond remains strong, making him a true legend in the industry.