Aykroyd, Daniel Edward CM OOnt, is a Canadian actor, comedian, producer, musician, and writer. On Saturday Night Live, he was a founding member of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.”
During Saturday Night Live, Aykroyd participated in regular skits about the Coneheads and the Blues Brothers.
He garnered five Primetime Emmy Award nominations for his efforts on the show, winning for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977. He later returned in guest roles following his departure.
In his sitcom, Soul Man, he played Reverend Mike Weber. He has since appeared on sitcoms such as It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, Home Improvement, Family Guy, The Simpsons, and The Conners.
Aykroyd is also a businessman, co-founding the House of Blues music venue chain and the Crystal Head Vodka brand.
Dan Aykroyd Early Life
Daniel Edward Aykroyd was born in Ottawa, Canada, on July 1, 1952. Aykroyd was the son of British-born Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd and Lorraine Helene of French Canadian descent.
Aykroyd was raised in a Catholic family. He went to Ottawa’s St. Pius X High School. Later, he attended St. Patrick’s High School in Ottawa. He was determined to become a priest till he was seventeen years old.
Dan Aykroyd Career
Through his participation in the sketch comedy television program “The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour,” Aykroyd launched his acting career. He started a comedic duet with Valerie Bromfield after relocating to Toronto.
He joined the Second City improv group in 1973, giving him the chance to collaborate with notable actors like Bill Murray, John Candy, and Gilda Radner.
He founded the House of Blues, a network of 13 live music concert halls, in 1992 in collaboration with some well-known figures from Hollywood and the music business to promote the cultural achievements of African Americans in the blues music and folk art genres.
In 1991, he made his filmmaking debut with “Nothing But Trouble.” The movie’s box office performance was unsuccessful.
In the role of Elwood Delaney, aka Elwood Blues, he hosts Jazz FM’s weekly program “House of Blues Radio Hour.” He currently travels with his Blues Brothers.
Dan Aykroyd Other Musical Endeavours
In 1985, Aykroyd was a choir member for the recording of “We Are the World.” In 2008, he authored the liner notes for JW-Jones, another Ottawa-born blues performer.
Elwood Blues presented the internationally syndicated radio show “Elwood’s BluesMobile,” originally known as the House of Blues Radio Hour until it ended in 2018.
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What is Dan Aykroyd’s Net Worth?
Dan Aykroyd is a 250 million dollar net worth Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, and entrepreneur, according to celebritynetworth.
Aykroyd is most recognized for his portrayal of Ray Stantz in the “Ghostbusters” trilogy and for being one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live.”
He is also a member of The Blues Brothers, a touring band that began as a “Saturday Night Live” spoof starring Dan and John Belushi. Their 1978 album “Briefcase Full of Blues” went double platinum, selling 3.5 million copies.
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In 1992, Aykroyd co-founded the House of Blues concert venue/restaurant complex. In 2007, he established Crystal Head Vodka with $600,000; the vodka is sold in crystal skull-shaped bottles, and the company’s turnover had surpassed $80 million by 2018.
Dan Aykroyd’s Personal Life
Carrie Fisher, a co-star in The Blues Brothers, wed Dan in 1980 but later divorced him and rekindled her relationship with her previous boyfriend, Paul Simon, who she had dated before. Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon on April 29, 1983.
Danielle (born in November 1989), Belle (born in June 1993), and Stella are their three kids together (born in April 1998). Dan considered John Belushi to be a close friend and a brother. Dan was devastated at Belushi’s passing.
Dan has previously served as a reserve deputy for the Hinds County Sheriff’s Office and a reserve commander for the Harahan, Louisiana, police force. Aykroyd brings up Spiritualism when he discusses UFOs.
Aykroyd serves as MUFON’s Hollywood consultant and is a member of the organization. He hosted “Psi Factor: Stories of the Paranormal” and produced the DVD “Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs” due to his interest in the phenomenon.
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Dan’s father published a book about Spiritualism in 2009. Dan assisted Peter, the book’s author, in getting “A History of Ghosts” published and read by writing its introduction.
What Kind of Charitable Work Did He Do?
Dan Aykroyd’s Canada, a charity CD released in 2009, featured Aykroyd’s memories of his Canadian upbringing. He was a founding member of the Blue Line Foundation, restoring flood-damaged New Orleans property and assisting first responders in purchasing them at a discount.
According to Coastal Blue Line LLC, four hundred properties in New Orleans will eventually be rebuilt. The Canadian nonprofit organization Artists Against Racism includes Aykroyd.
Dan Aykroyd’s Real Estate
Dan and his brother paid $732,500 for a 4,176-square-foot mansion in Los Angeles in 1988. In 2008, they sold it for $2.13 million. Aykroyd paid $14.5 million for a four-bedroom property in Pacific Palisades in 2007.
The following year, he sold his Hollywood Hills mansion for $3.8 million. Dan put his Pacific Palisades property on the market for rent in 2014, asking for $45,000 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dan Aykroyd a Wealthy Man?
Despite his fame from SNL and The Blues Brothers, Aykroyd has made the most of his money in filmmaking. His stand-up humor is well-known. John Belushi appeared in three of his first films.
Were Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi Friends?
Dan Aykroyd is speaking out about his close buddy and Blues Brothers co-star John Belushi on the 30th anniversary of his death. “What John leaves behind is a legacy of laughter and pleasure,” Aykroyd says in an interview with HLN’s Showbiz Tonight, adding, “He was my brother.”
Dan Aykroyd Appeared on SNL for How Long?
Aykroyd, 69, quit the show in 1979 to pursue a career in film. He co-wrote and performed in the film adaptation of his sketch “The Blues Brothers” with John Belushi. It’s one of his most notable roles to date.