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 actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work on *Saturday Night Live* and in films like *The Blues Brothers*, *Ghostbusters*, and *Trading Places*. He co-created and starred in *The Blues Brothers* with John Belushi, a project which originated as a musical sketch on *SNL*. Aykroyd has had a prolific career spanning decades, showcasing his talent in both comedic and dramatic roles. Beyond acting, he's a businessman, having co-founded Crystal Head Vodka.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1977: 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 work on Saturday Night Live.

1984: Release of Ghostbusters

In 1984, the classic movie Ghostbusters was released, starring Dan Aykroyd.

1985: Acted in Spies Like Us with Donna Dixon

In 1985, Dan Aykroyd appeared in the film Spies Like Us with his wife, Donna Dixon.

1985: Participated in "We Are the World" Recording

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

1988: Acted in The Couch Trip with Donna Dixon

In 1988, Dan Aykroyd appeared in the film The Couch Trip with his wife, Donna Dixon.

1992: Founded House of Blues with Isaac Tigrett

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 the film Exit to Eden with his wife, Donna Dixon.

1994: House of Blues Expansion and Opening of Aykroyd's Ghetto House Cafe

In 1994, the House of Blues expanded with a venue in New Orleans. On New Year's Eve of that year, Dan Aykroyd opened "Aykroyd's Ghetto House Cafe" in Kingston, Ontario.

1996: Host of Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal

From 1996 to 2000, Dan Aykroyd served as host of Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal.

2000: End of Hosting Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal

In 2000, Dan Aykroyd's time hosting Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal ended.

2004: House of Blues Became Second-Largest Live Music Promoter

In 2004, House of Blues became the second-largest live music promoter in the world, with venues and amphitheaters in the United States and Canada.

2005: Produced DVD Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs

In 2005, Dan Aykroyd produced the DVD Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs, reflecting his interest in UFOlogy.

2006: House of Blues Bought by Live Nation

In 2006, House of Blues was bought by Live Nation.

2007: Founded Crystal Head Vodka

In 2007, Dan Aykroyd and artist John Alexander founded Crystal Head Vodka, known for its skull-shaped bottle.

2008: Wrote Liner Notes for JW-Jones's Album

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

2009: Charity Album and Blue Line Foundation

In 2009, Dan Aykroyd contributed to a charity album and helped start the Blue Line Foundation to redevelop flood-damaged lots in New Orleans.

2014: Voice role in Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return and Supporting Role in Tammy

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

2015: State Farm Commercial and Pixels Appearance

In 2015, Dan Aykroyd appeared in a State Farm commercial as a Conehead with Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman. He also played the emcee of the video game championship in the film Pixels.

2016: Blues Brothers Online Casino Game and Winery Ownership

In 2016, Dan Aykroyd partnered to release a Blues Brothers online casino game and became part owner of wineries in Canada's Niagara Peninsula.

2016: Executive Producer and Cameo in Ghostbusters Reboot

In 2016, Dan Aykroyd was an executive producer of the Ghostbusters reboot and also made a cameo appearance in the film.

2018: Ending of "Elwood's BluesMobile" Radio Show

In 2018, Dan Aykroyd's internationally syndicated radio show "Elwood's BluesMobile" ended. He had hosted under his Blues Brothers moniker, Elwood Blues.