Dan Aykroyd Stepped into the SNL Spotlight in "Bass-O-Matic": Watch
Presenting the final sketch in SNL's 50 Seasons in 50 Days countdown: Bass-O-Matic starring Dan Aykroyd and Laraine Newman. Watch now.
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Dan Aykroyd - 10 things to know with detail
Early Life: Dan Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He comes from a family of entertainers, with his father being a civil engineer and his mother being a secretary and part-time actress.
Education: Aykroyd attended Carleton University in Ottawa, where he studied criminology and sociology. However, he dropped out before completing his degree to pursue a career in comedy.
The Second City: Aykroyd got his start in comedy at The Second City, a renowned improv and sketch comedy theatre in Chicago. He honed his skills there before moving on to perform on the hit TV show Saturday Night Live.
Saturday Night Live: Aykroyd joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in its inaugural season in 1975. He became known for his wide range of characters, including the Coneheads, Beldar, and Elwood Blues of the Blues Brothers.
The Blues Brothers: Aykroyd co-created The Blues Brothers with fellow SNL cast member John Belushi. The Blues Brothers originated as a musical sketch on SNL before becoming a successful film and musical act.
Ghostbusters: Aykroyd co-wrote and starred in the hit 1984 film Ghostbusters, which went on to become a cultural phenomenon. He played the role of Dr. Raymond Stantz, a paranormal investigator who helps save New York City from supernatural threats.
Other Film Roles: Aykroyd has appeared in a wide range of films throughout his career, including Trading Places, Coneheads, Driving Miss Daisy, and My Girl. He is known for his versatility as an actor, able to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.
Business Ventures: In addition to his acting career, Aykroyd is also a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the House of Blues chain of music venues and the Crystal Head Vodka brand, which features a distinctive skull-shaped bottle.
Personal Life: Aykroyd has been married to actress Donna Dixon since 1983, and they have three daughters together. He is also a devout believer in the supernatural and has a keen interest in UFOs and paranormal phenomena.
Awards and Recognition: Aykroyd has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in film and television, including an Emmy Award for his writing on Saturday Night Live and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is widely regarded as a comedy legend and a cultural icon.