History of Dan Aykroyd in Timeline

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.

Sections (2)

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.

1982: Presented Academy Award Alone After Belushi's Death

In 1982, after John Belushi's death, Dan Aykroyd presented the Academy Award for Visual Effects alone, remarking on his friend's absence.

April 29, 1983: Married Donna Dixon

On April 29, 1983, Dan Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon on Martha's Vineyard.

1984: Wired Book Published

In 1984, the book Wired about John Belushi, written by Bob Woodward, was published, which later became the basis for a controversial film criticized by Dan Aykroyd.

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.

June 1988: Expressed Desire for Wired Film to Underperform

In June 1988, Dan Aykroyd expressed his desire that the film Wired, a biopic of Belushi, would underperform at the box office.

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.

1989: Critic of Belushi Biopic Wired

In 1989, Dan Aykroyd was an outspoken critic of the film Wired, a biopic of John Belushi.

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: Honorary Doctorate from Carleton University

In 1994, Dan Aykroyd received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Carleton University.

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.

1997: Received Snuffed Candle Award

In 1997, Dan Aykroyd was awarded the Snuffed Candle Award for hosting Psi Factor and promoting paranormal claims.

1999: Made a Member of the Order of Canada

In 1999, Dan Aykroyd was made a Member of the Order of Canada.

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

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

2002: Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame

In 2002, Dan Aykroyd was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame.

2004: Discussed Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis

In 2004, Dan Aykroyd stated in an NPR interview that he had been diagnosed with Tourette syndrome in childhood.

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.

September 29, 2009: Father Published A History of Ghosts

On September 29, 2009, Dan Aykroyd's father, Peter Aykroyd Sr., published a book entitled A History of Ghosts, and Dan Aykroyd assisted with promotional activities.

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.

2015: Self-Diagnosed Asperger Syndrome

In 2015, Dan Aykroyd stated that he believed he had Asperger syndrome, contradicting claims of an official diagnosis.

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.

2017: Made a Member of the Order of Ontario

In 2017, Dan Aykroyd was made a member of the Order of Ontario.

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.