Career Timeline of Dan Aykroyd: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Dan Aykroyd built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian and American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer. He gained prominence as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, known for his improvisational skills and character work. Aykroyd co-starred in and co-wrote the iconic film Ghostbusters, a major success that solidified his place in comedy history. Beyond Ghostbusters, he has starred in numerous other films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Aykroyd is also a businessman, having founded Crystal Head Vodka, and continues to be a recognizable figure in the entertainment industry.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1977: Received Emmy Award for Saturday Night Live

In 1977, Dan Aykroyd received an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series for his collaborative work on Saturday Night Live.

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1982: Presented Academy Award for Visual Effects alone

In 1982, following the death of John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd presented the Academy Award for Visual Effects alone, dedicating it to his late friend.

1984: Acted in Ghostbusters

In 1984, Dan Aykroyd acted in the classic movie Ghostbusters.

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1985: Acted in Spies Like Us with Donna Dixon

In 1985, Dan Aykroyd appeared in Spies Like Us with Donna Dixon.

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1985: Participated in "We Are the World"

In 1985, Dan Aykroyd participated in the recording of "We Are the World" as a member of the chorus.

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1988: Acted in The Couch Trip with Donna Dixon

In 1988, Dan Aykroyd appeared in The Couch Trip with Donna Dixon.

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1992: Founded House of Blues

In 1992, Dan Aykroyd and Hard Rock Cafe co-founder Isaac Tigrett founded the House of Blues, a chain of music venues.

1994: Acted in Exit to Eden with Donna Dixon

In 1994, Dan Aykroyd appeared in Exit to Eden with Donna Dixon.

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1994: Opened "Aykroyd's Ghetto House Cafe" in Kingston, Ontario

On New Year's Eve in 1994, Dan Aykroyd opened the "Aykroyd's Ghetto House Cafe" in Kingston, Ontario.

1996: Hosted Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal

In 1996, Dan Aykroyd served as host of Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal.

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2000: Hosted Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal

In 2000, Dan Aykroyd concluded his role as host of Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal.

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2002: Appeared in According to Jim

In 2002, Dan Aykroyd appeared in the television series According to Jim, which starred Jim Belushi.

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2004: "House of Blues" became second-largest live music promoter

In 2004, Dan Aykroyd's "House of Blues" became the second-largest live music promoter in the world.

2005: Produced Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs

In 2005, Dan Aykroyd produced the DVD Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs.

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2006: Appeared in Living with Fran

In 2006, Dan Aykroyd appeared in the television series Living with Fran.

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2006: Live Nation bought "House of Blues"

In 2006, Live Nation bought Dan Aykroyd's "House of Blues".

2007: Founded Crystal Head Vodka

In 2007, Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander founded Crystal Head Vodka.

2008: Wrote liner notes for Bluelisted

In 2008, Dan Aykroyd wrote the liner notes for fellow Ottawa-born blues musician JW-Jones's album Bluelisted.

2009: Appeared in According to Jim

In 2009, Dan Aykroyd concluded his appearance in the television series According to Jim, which starred Jim Belushi.

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2009: Contributed reminiscences for charity album and helped start Blue Line Foundation

In 2009, Dan Aykroyd contributed a series of reminiscences for a charity album, Dan Aykroyd's Canada, and helped start the Blue Line Foundation, which is redeveloping flood-damaged lots in New Orleans.

2011: Appeared in The Defenders

In 2011, Dan Aykroyd appeared in two episodes of CBS's The Defenders as Judge Max Hunter, which also starred Jim Belushi.

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2012: Supporting Role in The Campaign

In 2012, Dan Aykroyd had a supporting role in the political comedy film The Campaign, which starred SNL alum Will Ferrell.

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2013: Supporting Role in Behind the Candelabra

In 2013, Dan Aykroyd had a supporting role in the HBO film Behind the Candelabra.

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2014: Voiced Scarecrow in Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return and role in Tammy

In 2014, Dan Aykroyd voiced the role of Scarecrow in Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return and had a supporting role in the comedy film Tammy.

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2015: Appeared in State Farm commercial and Pixels

In 2015, Dan Aykroyd appeared in a State Farm insurance commercial as the Coneheads and played the emcee of the video game championship in the science fiction comedy film Pixels.

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2016: Partnered to release online-casino game featuring the Blues Brothers

In 2016, Dan Aykroyd partnered to release an online-casino game that features the Blues Brothers, providing the in-game voice of Elwood Blues.

2016: Executive Producer and Cameo in Ghostbusters Reboot

In 2016, Dan Aykroyd was one of the executive producers of Ghostbusters, a reboot of the franchise, and made a cameo appearance in the film.

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2017: Appeared in Workin' Moms

In 2017, Dan Aykroyd appeared in the television series Workin' Moms.

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2018: Ended hosting "Elwood's BluesMobile"

In 2018, Dan Aykroyd's internationally syndicated radio show "Elwood's BluesMobile", formerly known as the House of Blues Radio Hour, ended.

2021: Provided voice in The Simpsons and reprised role in Ghostbusters: Afterlife

In 2021, Dan Aykroyd provided the voice of the Postage Stamp Fellow in The Simpsons and reprised his role as Dr. Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters: Afterlife.

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