Daniel Edward Aykroyd (born July 1, 1952) is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He was an original member of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” on Saturday Night Live (1975-1979) and received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations, winning for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977.
Known for roles like Elwood J. Blues in The Blues Brothers (1980) and Dr. Raymond “Ray” Stantz in Ghostbusters (1984), Aykroyd has also appeared in films like Trading Places (1983) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989). He’s also a businessman, co-founding House of Blues and Crystal Head Vodka.
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Dan Aykroyd Net Worth
Dan Aykroyd has a net worth of $250 million. For “Ghostbusters” (1984), Columbia Pictures gave Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and director Ivan Reitman 30% of the film’s gross, which amounted to $75 million per person, or around $200 million adjusted for inflation.
For the sequel, they received $6 million upfront and 35% of the gross, earning around $50 million each, or $110 million adjusted. In total, Aykroyd earned $125 million from the first two films, totaling $310 million after inflation. He also profited from sequels, merchandise, and more.
Early life
Daniel Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, to Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd (a civil engineer and policy adviser to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau) and Lorraine Hélène Marie (a secretary). His father was of English, Scottish, Irish, French, and Dutch descent, and his mother was of French Canadian ancestry. Aykroyd attended St. Pius X and St. Patrick’s High Schools and studied criminology and sociology at Carleton University.
He dropped out to pursue comedy, performing in Canadian nightclubs and working at Club 505 in Toronto. Aykroyd was deeply influenced by the blues scene in Ottawa, attending Le Hibou club, where he jammed with Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and other legends.
Career
Aykroyd debuted on TV at 17 on the Canadian sketch series “The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour” (1970-71), alongside Hart Pomerantz and Lorne Michaels. Michaels later hired him for “Saturday Night Live” (1975-1979), where Aykroyd became known for characters like Yortuk Festrunk, Beldar Conehead, and Elwood Blues.
He co-starred with John Belushi in “1941” (1979) and “Neighbors” (1981), and together, they created The Blues Brothers. Aykroyd rewrote “Ghostbusters” for Bill Murray after Belushi’s death, leading to multiple sequels, reboots, and a cameo in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021).
Personal Life
Dan Aykroyd was briefly engaged to Carrie Fisher, proposing on the set of The Blues Brothers. Their engagement ended when Fisher reconciled with her former boyfriend, Paul Simon. On April 29, 1983, Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon. They met on the set of Doctor Detroit and appeared in five films together.
They have three daughters, including Danielle (Vera Sola). Aykroyd announced his separation from Dixon in April 2022 after 39 years of marriage. He maintains his Canadian roots in Sydenham, Ontario and has a passion for paleontology.
What is Dan Aykroyd disability?
Dan Aykroyd has acknowledged having mild Tourette’s syndrome and high-functioning Asperger’s. In recent interviews, he shared that therapy helped alleviate his Tourette’s symptoms by his mid-teens. He also discussed how he learned to channel the traits of Asperger’s into his creativity, which benefited his acting and singing career.
Conclusion
Dan Aykroyd’s journey from a comedian to a multimillionaire entrepreneur exemplifies the blend of talent, creativity, and business acumen. His diverse career and substantial net worth showcase his remarkable success.
FAQs about Dan Aykroyd Net Worth
- What contributed most to Dan Aykroyd’s net worth?
- His acting career, particularly the “Ghostbusters” series, and his entrepreneurial ventures.
- Has Dan Aykroyd won any awards?
- Yes, including an Emmy and nominations for an Academy Award.
- What business did Dan Aykroyd co-found?
- He co-founded the House of Blues and Crystal Head Vodka.
- What is Aykroyd’s relationship with the supernatural?
- He has a keen interest in Spiritualism and UFOlogy.
- How does Aykroyd contribute to the community?
- He’s been involved in law enforcement as a reserve officer and supports various charitable causes.
