Biography
Dan Aykroyd, born in Ottawa, initially pursued studies in psychology, criminal sociology, and political science at Carleton University, where his comedy journey took off. He co-wrote sketches for a private cable company, igniting his passion for acting. At 20, he joined The Second City comedy troupe in Chicago and Toronto, marking the start of his career.
In 1975, Aykroyd joined "Saturday Night Live" as a founding member of the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players," crafting iconic sketches like "The Blues Brothers" with Belushi and "Two Wild and Crazy Guys" with Steve Martin. The success of "The Blues Brothers" sketch led to a full-length feature in 1980, with Aykroyd writing and producing the movie soundtrack, defying the disco and punk era.
His versatile talent shines in roles like Dr. Ray Stantz in "Ghostbusters," Jessica Tandy’s son in "Driving Miss Daisy," a single father in "My Girl," and an assassin in "Grosse Pointe Blank," showcasing both comedic and dramatic prowess.
Filmography
Cast Credits
You Had to Be There: How the Toronto Godspell Ignited the Comedy Revolution...
Character:
MOVIE • 2025
John Candy: I Like Me
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2025
Ladies & Gentlemen... 50 Years of SNL Music
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2025
SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night
Character:
TV • 2025
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Character: Ray Stantz
MOVIE • 2024
The Greatest Night in Pop
Character: Self (archive footage)
MOVIE • 2024
A History of the World in Six Glasses
Character: Self
TV • 2024
The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd
Character: Self - Host
TV • 2023
Zombie Town
Character: Len Carver
MOVIE • 2023
2022 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Character: Self (archive footage)
MOVIE • 2022
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Character: Ray Stantz
MOVIE • 2021
Who Saw the Men in Black
Character: self
MOVIE • 2021
The Go-Go's
Character: Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
MOVIE • 2021
Belushi
Character: Self (archive footage)
MOVIE • 2020
Hotel Paranormal
Character:
TV • 2020
Reunited Apart
Character: Self
TV • 2020
Cleanin' Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2020
The Movies That Made Us
Character: Ray Stantz (archive footage)
TV • 2019
Fantastic Mr. Murray
Character: Self - Interviewee
MOVIE • 2019
Defend, Conserve, Protect
Character: Narrator
MOVIE • 2019
Crew
Crew Credits
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Role: Original Film Writer
MOVIE • 2024
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Role: Executive Producer
MOVIE • 2024
The UnBelievable with Dan Aykroyd
Role: Executive Producer
TV • 2023
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Role: Original Film Writer
MOVIE • 2021
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
Role: Executive Producer
MOVIE • 2021
Ghostbusters
Role: Characters
MOVIE • 2016
Ghostbusters
Role: Executive Producer
MOVIE • 2016
Born In Chicago
Role: Executive Producer
MOVIE • 2013
Blues Brothers 2000
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1998
Blues Brothers 2000
Role: Writer
MOVIE • 1998
Soul Man
Role: Executive Producer
TV • 1997
The Best of the Blues Brothers
Role: Writer
MOVIE • 1994
Coneheads
Role: Screenplay
MOVIE • 1993
Nothing but Trouble
Role: Screenplay
MOVIE • 1991
Nothing but Trouble
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1991
Ghostbusters II
Role: Screenplay
MOVIE • 1989
Ghostbusters II
Role: Characters
MOVIE • 1989
Dragnet
Role: Screenplay
MOVIE • 1987
Citizen Steve
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1987
The Real Ghostbusters
Role: Creator
TV • 1986