Dan Aykroyd
Actor
Biography
Daniel Edward 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.
As Director
Filmography
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
as Art Weber 1984
Ghostbusters
as Ray Stantz 1984
Pixels
as 1982 Championship MC 2015
50 First Dates
as Dr. Keats 2004
Pearl Harbor
as Captain Thurman 2001
Ghostbusters
as Cabbie 2016
Ghostbusters: Afterlife
as Ray Stantz 2021
Casper
as Dr. Raymond Stantz (uncredited) 1995
Ghostbusters II
as Ray Stantz 1989
Antz
as Chip (voice) 1998
The Blues Brothers
as Elwood Blues 1980
Trading Places
as Louis Winthorpe III 1983
I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry
as Captain Phineas J. Tucker 2007
Evolution
as Governor Lewis 2001
My Girl
as Harry Sultenfuss 1991
Julie & Julia
as Himself (Archive footage) (uncredited) 2009
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
as Ray Stantz 2024