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Comedy Legend Dan Aykroyd

As a lifelong fan, I‘m delighted to share a comprehensive profile of the multitalented entertainer and entrepreneur Dan Aykroyd.

Full Name Daniel Edward Aykroyd
Age 71
Birthday July 1, 1952
Birth Sign Cancer
Born Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Relationship Divorced Donna Dixon
Height 6‘ 1" (1.85 m)
Net Worth $200 million
Social Media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

Aykroyd first gained fame on Saturday Night Live as an original cast member. He went on to become one of the biggest comedy stars of the 1980s and beyond thanks to beloved films like The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters.

From Improv Comedy to SNL Star

Dan Aykroyd was born on July 1st, 1952 in Ottawa, Ontario. As a child, he struggled with symptoms of Asperger‘s and Tourette‘s but found joy in performing. Aykroyd got his comedy start at just 17, joining a local improv troupe.

After graduating with a degree in criminology, Aykroyd joined Toronto‘s renowned Second City comedy group. There he crossed paths with John Belushi and Gilda Radner, forging creative bonds that changed comedy history. When NBC‘s Saturday Night Live launched in 1975, Aykroyd, Belushi and Radner were among the first cast members hired.

On SNL, Aykroyd unleashed his gift for improvisation and outlandish characters. He incarnated everyone from E. Buzz Miller to one of his most iconic creations, alien patriarch Beldar Conehead. His four seasons on SNL cemented Aykroyd‘s status as a fresh comedy genius.

"To watch Danny perform was absolutely thrilling. Just the shapes and forms he could twist his body into were amazing." – Laraine Newman, SNL cast member

Soaring to Movie Stardom

Aykroyd‘s close friendship with John Belushi led to their first hit film together: The Blues Brothers in 1980. Their electric chemistry (and fantastic music) fueled the movie‘s popularity and resulted in two sequels over the next two decades.

But it was the 1984 comedy classic Ghostbusters that truly made Aykroyd a household name. As co-writer and star, he helped create a perfect blend of supernatural action and funny, offbeat characters. The film dominated the box office, earning nearly $300 million. Audiences can‘t get enough of the wisecracking team of Venkman, Stantz, Spengler and Zeddemore, played by comedy legends Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson.

"Back in the SNL days, Danny always used to refer to me as ‘the Hillbilly Heartthrob.‘ He has the most infectious laugh." – Steve Martin

A Diverse Body of Work

While most famous for comedy, Aykroyd has also taken on compelling dramatic roles in films like Driving Miss Daisy and Chaplin, for which he received an Oscar nomination. He‘s brought his talents to family movies (Yogi Bear), crime capers (Sneakers), and musical biopics (The Buddy Holly Story).

Aykroyd continues to appear in films and TV shows, while also working as a producer and writer. He cowrote and starred in the 1991 John Candy comedy Nothing But Trouble, which he considers his most personal project. A true multihyphenate, Aykroyd even made his directorial debut with Nothing But Trouble.

"Dan Aykroyd is a comedian who can act, an actor who can be funny in roles, yet also an actor who can be serious." – Roger Ebert

Spirits, Music and More

Never content to just act, Aykroyd has continually pursued new ventures. He cofounded the popular Hard Rock Cafe chain and famously started his own Crystal Head Vodka brand. I love sipping his crisp, ultra-smooth vodka while appreciating the bottle‘s cool skull design.

Aykroyd is also a talented blues singer who recorded with musical icons including Sam Moore. Alongside his ongoing acting career, he currently hosts a weekly radio show focused on paranormal phenomena like UFOs. His openness about his childhood diagnoses has also helped reduce stigma around mental health.

Why Dan Aykroyd Is an Inspiration

To me, Dan Aykroyd‘s life and career demonstrate the power of daring creativity. Despite early struggles, he followed his passion for making people laugh all the way to becoming a Saturday Night Live pioneer. His willingness to take risks led to timeless comedy classics.

Aykroyd‘s barrage of bizarre yet loveable characters never fails to crack me up. From coneheads to Ghostbusters, he gave us some of the most quotable and enjoyable films ever made. Seventy years old yet still working steadily, Aykroyd remains driven by his varied interests. His unique persona has etched itself into comedy history.

Thank you for letting me share my deep admiration for the hilarious and visionary Dan Aykroyd! He has inspired me both creatively and personally for decades. Here‘s to many more years of enjoying his humor and craft.

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