Dan Aykroyd or Daniel Edward Aykroyd CM OOnt is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer and musician.
He is best known for his work on the sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live (SNL), the films The Blues Brothers (1980), Ghostbusters (1984), and Ghostbusters II (1989) and the 1991 film My Girl.
Aykroyd was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He is of French Canadian, English, Scottish, Irish, and Dutch descent.
His father, Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd, was a civil engineer and policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
His mother, Lorraine Hélène Marie (née Gougeon), was a secretary. Aykroyd has one brother, Peter, who is also an actor.
Aykroyd attended St. Pius X and St. Patrick’s high schools in Ottawa.
He studied criminology and sociology at Carleton University, but dropped out before completing his degree.
He worked as a comedian in various Canadian nightclubs and ran an after-hours speakeasy, Club 505, in Toronto for several years.
Over the years, Aykroyd has acted in films and television shows, and has also written several books, including a memoir, “The Adventures of Elwood Blues: A Road Trip Through Life” (2006), and a novel, “The House of Blues” (2013).
He is also a member of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in Canada.
Summary
Name | Dan Aykroyd |
Date of Birth | July 1, 1952 |
Birthplace | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
Occcupation | Actor, comedian, writer, producer, musician |
Famous for | Co-founding the Blues Brothers comedy duo, being a cast member on Saturday Night Live and starring in films like Ghostbusters |
Awards | Primetime Emmy Award, Academy Award nomination |
Spouse | Donna Dixon (married since 1983) |
Children | Danielle Aykroyd and Belle Aykroyd |
Net Worth | $250 million |
How old is Dan Aykroyd?
Aykroydis 70 years old as of June 2023. He was born on July 1, 1952.
Dan Aykroyd height
Aykroyd is 6 feet 2 inches tall, which is 188 centimeters, and weighs 205 pounds, which is 93 kilograms.
Dan Aykroyd career
Aykroyd is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he was a writer and performer from 1975 to 1979.
He also co-wrote and starred in the films The Blues Brothers (1980) and Ghostbusters (1984), both of which were huge box office successes.
Aykroyd began his career as a stand-up comedian in Toronto, and he joined the Second City comedy troupe in 1972.
He was recruited by Lorne Michaels to join the cast of SNL in 1975, and he quickly became one of the show’s most popular performers.
Aykroyd created and performed a number of memorable characters, including the Coneheads, the Blues Brothers, and the Great Gonzo.
After leaving SNL in 1979, Aykroyd continued to work in film and television.
He co-wrote and starred in the films The Blues Brothers (1980), Trading Places (1983), and Ghostbusters (1984).
Aykroyd also appeared in the films Dragnet (1987), Nothing But Trouble (1991), and My Girl (1991).
In the 1990s, Aykroyd starred in his own sitcom, Soul Man (1997-1998).
He also appeared in a number of television shows, including It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (1990), Home Improvement (1997), and Family Guy (2009).
Aykroyd has also had a successful career as a businessman.
He co-founded the House of Blues chain of music venues in 1992, and he is the co-founder of the Crystal Head Vodka brand.
Aykroyd is a recipient of the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor in Canada.
He has also been nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards, and he won the award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977.
Dan Aykroyd net worth
Aykroyd has a net worth of $250 million.
He has earned his wealth through his successful career in comedy, acting, writing and entrepreneurship.
In addition to his work in film and television, Aykroyd is also a successful entrepreneur.
He co-founded the House of Blues music venue and restaurant chain, and he owns the Crystal Head vodka brand.
Aykroyd’s net worth has been steadily growing over the years, and he is now one of the wealthiest comedians in the world.
Dan Aykroyd wife
Aykroyd’s wife is Donna Dixon.
They met on the set of the 1983 film Doctor Detroit and were married in 1983.
They have three daughters together: Danielle, Stella, and Paulina.
The couple announced their separation in April 2022 after 39 years of marriage.
They remain legally married, co-parents, co-workers, and business partners.
Dixon is an American actress and model.
She is best known for her roles in the films Doctor Detroit (1983), Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), The Couch Trip (1988) and Exit to Eden (1994).
She has also appeared in television shows such as Cheers, Night Court and The New WKRP in Cincinnati.
Dan Aykroyd liquor
Aykroyd is the co-founder of Crystal Head Vodka, a premium vodka that is made from 100% Canadian corn and is filtered seven times.
The vodka is bottled in a distinctive skull-shaped bottle that was designed by Aykroyd and artist John Alexander.
Crystal Head Vodka has won numerous awards, including the San Francisco World Spirits Competition’s Double Gold Medal.
Aykroyd has said that he was inspired to create Crystal Head Vodka after learning about the legend of the thirteen crystal skulls.
These skulls are said to be pre-Columbian artifacts that possess magical powers.
Aykroyd believes that the crystal skulls represent the power of the human spirit and that drinking Crystal Head Vodka can help people to connect with their own inner strength.
Crystal Head Vodka is available in a variety of flavors, including Original, Ruby Red, and Smoked. The vodka can be enjoyed straight or used in cocktails.
Dan Aykroyd movies
Here is a simplified table showing movies that Dan Aykroyd starred in;
Year | Movie |
1979 | 1941 |
1980 | The Blues Brothers |
1981 | Neighbors |
1983 | Trading Places |
1984 | Ghostbusters |
1985 | Spies Like Us |
1987 | Dragnet |
1988 | The Great Outdoors |
1991 | Coneheads |
1992 | My Girl |
1992 | Sneakers |
1993 | Chaplin |
1997 | Grosse Pointe Blank |
1998 | Blues Brothers 2000 |
2004 | 50 First Dates |
2012 | The Campaign |
2013 | Behind the Candelabra |
2016 | Ghostbusters: Answer the Call |
2021 | Ghostbusters: Afterlife |