Daniel Aykroyd, born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Canada, is a renowned actor, comedian, filmmaker, and musician.
He gained fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live and co-created the iconic Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters franchises.
Aykroyd’s notable films include Trading Places, Driving Miss Daisy, and Dragnet.
He has also ventured into business, notably with his vodka brand, Crystal Head Vodka.
Married to actress Donna Dixon, he has three daughters and remains a significant figure in comedy and film.
Siblings
Aykroyd has one sibling, a younger brother named Peter Aykroyd.
Peter was also involved in comedy, acting, and writing, notably as a cast member and writer on Saturday Night Live and co-writer of the film Nothing but Trouble.
He passed away on November 6, 2021, due to complications from an untreated abdominal hernia.
Career
Aykroyd developed an interest in comedy at a young age, influenced by his family’s love for music and humor.
He began performing in local clubs and theaters during his teenage years, honing his craft and preparing for a future in entertainment.
Aykroyd’s big break came in 1975 when he became one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL).
His unique blend of humor, impressions, and character work quickly made him a standout performer on the show.
During his time on SNL, Aykroyd created memorable characters, including the Coneheads and The Blues Brothers, a musical duo he formed with John Belushi.
This partnership would lead to significant success in both music and film.
In 1980, Aykroyd co-wrote and starred in The Blues Brothers, which became a cult classic.
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The film showcased his love for blues music and featured performances by legendary musicians, solidifying his status as a versatile entertainer.
Aykroyd’s most iconic role came with the co-writing and starring in Ghostbusters alongside Bill Murray and Harold Ramis. The film was a massive success and has since spawned sequels, an animated series, and a reboot, further entrenching Aykroyd in popular culture.
In addition to acting, Aykroyd is a talented musician with a deep appreciation for blues and rhythm and blues music.
His love for music is evident in his film roles and his work with The Blues Brothers.
He co-founded the House of Blues, a chain of live music concert halls and restaurants that celebrate blues music and culture.
In 2007, he launched Crystal Head Vodka, known for its unique skull-shaped bottle and premium quality, emphasizing purity and gaining a significant following.
Awards and accolades
Aykroyd has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his distinguished career in entertainment.
He won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1977 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series for his work on Saturday Night Live.
He has been nominated for Academy Awards, including a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Driving Miss Daisy.
Aykroyd has also received multiple nominations from the American Comedy Awards and the Hugo Awards.
In 2017, he was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame for his contributions to television.
He was honored with a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame in 2002 and made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999, recognizing his impact on the entertainment industry and his cultural contributions.
Personal life
Aykroyd was married to actress Donna Dixon in 1983 after meeting on the set of the film Doctor Detroit.
The couple announced their separation in April 2022 after nearly 40 years together, stating they would remain legally married and co-parents.
They share three daughters, Danielle (32), who is known professionally as singer-songwriter Vera Sola, Belle (28) and Stella (24).
Aykroyd has often expressed his admiration for Dixon, referring to her as his White Goddess in interviews.
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