Daniel Edward Aykroyd is a Canadian actor, comedian, and entrepreneur who changed modern comedy. Born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, he became famous as an original Saturday Night Live cast member. At 73 years old, Dan Aykroyd’s net worth is estimated at $250 million from entertainment and business ventures.
Standing at 6’1″ tall, Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon in 1983. They raised three daughters and separated in 2022 while staying legally married. His career includes creating The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters, plus founding Crystal Head Vodka and House of Blues.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Daniel Edward Aykroyd |
| Date of Birth | July 1, 1952 |
| Age | 73 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 6’1″ (1.85 m) |
| Net Worth | estimated $250 million |
| Spouse | Donna Dixon (m. 1983, separated 2022) |
| Children | 3 daughters (Danielle/Vera Sola, Belle, Stella) |
| Birthplace | Ottawa, Ontario, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian, Screenwriter, Entrepreneur |
| Famous For | SNL, The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters |
| Awards | Emmy Award, Academy Award nomination |
Early Life Origins
Dan Aykroyd came from a diverse family with English, Irish, Scottish, Dutch, and French-Canadian roots. His father, Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd, worked as a civil engineer and policy adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. His mother, Lorraine Hélène Marie Gougeon, brought strong French-Canadian cultural traditions.
Aykroyd’s great-grandfather corresponded with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle about mystical beliefs and was a member of the Lily Dale Society. This spiritual heritage shaped his lifelong interest in the paranormal and UFO research. His father later published “A History of Ghosts” in 2009, documenting the family’s involvement in Spiritualism.
He attended St. Pius X and St. Patrick’s High Schools in Ottawa before enrolling at Carleton University in 1969. Aykroyd studied criminology and sociology, which fueled his lasting fascination with law enforcement. He dropped out before graduating but received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Carleton in 1994.
Early Comedy Career
Aykroyd started performing at age 17 with “The Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour,” a Canadian sketch show featuring Lorne Michaels. This early collaboration built the foundation for his future SNL career. He gained improvisational skills at Second City in Toronto and Chicago in 1973.
Before fame, Aykroyd ran an after-hours speakeasy called Club 505 in Toronto. This underground club experience taught him about nightlife and music venues. He also worked as a mail sorter for Canada’s postal service while performing comedy in local nightclubs.
His blues education happened at Le Hibou club in Ottawa, run by Harvey Glatt. Aykroyd witnessed live performances by Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, James Cotton, Otis Spann, and Pinetop Perkins. He even jammed behind Muddy Waters one night, and Waters told him: “keep that beat going, you make Muddy feel good.”
Saturday Night Live
Dan Aykroyd joined Saturday Night Live in 1975 as one of the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.” At 23, he was the youngest cast member and the first non-American in the group. His starting salary was just $278 per week.
Aykroyd created memorable characters like Beldar Conehead, Elwood Blues, Irwin Mainway, and Fred Garvin. His “Super Bass-O-Matic ’76” sketch became legendary—inspired by watching his aunt blend an entire bass for bouillabaisse when he was 12. Eric Idle of Monty Python said Aykroyd was “the only member of the SNL cast capable of being a Python.”
He won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in 1977. His Point/Counterpoint segments with Jane Curtin became iconic, featuring his famous line “Jane, you ignorant slut!” Rolling Stone ranked him fifth among all 141 SNL cast members in 2015.
The Blues Brothers
The Blues Brothers started when Aykroyd met John Belushi at a Chicago speakeasy. Belushi was a heavy metal fan who knew little about blues music. Aykroyd educated him on blues legends while listening to the Downchild Blues Band’s album “Straight Up.”
The musical act featured world-class musicians including Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, Lou Marini, and Paul Shaffer. Their 1978 album “Briefcase Full of Blues” sold 3.5 million copies. This proved The Blues Brothers were legitimate musicians, not just a comedy novelty.
The 1980 film co-written by Aykroyd and director John Landis grossed nearly $115 million worldwide. The original script exceeded 300 pages, which Aykroyd jokingly sent to Landis disguised as a phone book. The movie featured blues legends like Aretha Franklin, James Brown, Cab Calloway, and Ray Charles.
Ghostbusters Franchise
Aykroyd’s fascination with the paranormal led him to write Ghostbusters in 1984. His original script was far more fantastical, set in the future with time travel and an army of Ghostbusters. Harold Ramis and director Ivan Reitman helped ground the concept in contemporary New York City.
Aykroyd originally wrote Dr. Peter Venkman for John Belushi, but after Belushi’s death in 1982, he rewrote it for Bill Murray. He jokingly called Slimer “the ghost of John Belushi” based on his friend’s party-animal personality. The film earned nearly $300 million on a $30 million budget.
As Aykroyd said: “I knew we were making something people would come to see, like they came to Animal House and Stripes” according to IMDb. He reprised his role as Dr. Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters II (1989), Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021), and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
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Film Career
Dan Aykroyd earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1990. This dramatic role surprised audiences used to his comedy work. He was the fourth SNL cast member to receive an Oscar nomination.
His filmography includes “Trading Places” (1983) with Eddie Murphy, “Spies Like Us” (1985) with Chevy Chase, and “Dragnet” (1987). “The Great Outdoors” (1988) featured real bears, including Bart the Bear. He also appeared in “Coneheads” (1993), “Tommy Boy” (1995), and “Grosse Pointe Blank” (1997).
Jamie Lee Curtis, who worked with him on three films, called him “the best screen kisser” she ever had a scene with. His diverse roles showcased his range beyond pure comedy. He appeared in over 80 films throughout his career.
Television Work
Aykroyd hosted “Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal” from 1996 to 2000 for 88 episodes. The show combined his acting career with his paranormal interests. He appeared in “Workin’ Moms” from 2017 to 2023, earning Canadian Screen Award nominations.
More recently, Aykroyd hosted “The Unbelievable With Dan Aykroyd” (2023) on the History Channel. He also hosted “A History of the World in Six Glasses” (2024), a documentary series about beverages. Until 2018, he hosted the radio show “Elwood’s BluesMobile” under his Elwood Blues persona.
Business Ventures
Aykroyd co-founded House of Blues in 1992 with Isaac Tigrett, the Hard Rock Cafe co-founder. By 2004, the chain became the second-largest live music promoter globally. Live Nation acquired it in 2006.
In 2007, Aykroyd partnered with artist John Alexander to create Crystal Head Vodka. The premium vodka brand features a distinctive skull-shaped bottle and filtration through Herkimer diamond crystals. The brand is now available in over 30 countries.
He is also part-owner of the company holding exclusive distribution rights for Patrón tequila throughout Canada. Aykroyd owns an Ontario-based distillery called “Dan Aykroyd’s Wine” and part-owns several wineries in Canada’s Niagara Peninsula region.
Personal Life
Dan Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon on April 29, 1983, after meeting on the set of “Doctor Detroit.” Together they have three daughters: Danielle (known professionally as singer-songwriter Vera Sola), Belle, and Stella. In April 2022, the couple announced their separation while remaining legally married, according to PEOPLE.
Their joint statement read: “After 39 years as a couple we are now on separate life paths. We remain legally married, co-parents, co-workers and business partners.” Before Dixon, Aykroyd was engaged to actress Carrie Fisher, proposing on the set of “The Blues Brothers.”
Beliefs and Legacy
Aykroyd describes himself as a proud Spiritualist, following his family’s multi-generational involvement in the movement. He stated in an interview: “I get off on fantasy. I love fiction of all kinds.” He is a lifetime member of the Mutual UFO Network (MUFON) and produced “Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs” in 2005.
His law enforcement connection runs deep—Aykroyd served as a reserve commander for the Harahan, Louisiana police department. He currently holds a position as a reserve deputy with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department in Mississippi. He carries his badge at all times and supports first responders through various initiatives.
Aykroyd was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999 and inducted into the Order of Ontario in 2017. Every Canada Day (July 1), which is also his birthday, he traditionally performs civic duty in Kingston, Ontario. In 2001, he served as a federal immigration judge for two hours.
Conclusion
Dan Aykroyd has built a remarkable legacy spanning comedy, music, film, and business over five decades. From his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live to creating The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters, he demonstrated rare versatility. His business ventures including Crystal Head Vodka and House of Blues show his entrepreneurial vision.
At 73, Aykroyd continues working actively in entertainment while maintaining his interests in the paranormal and law enforcement. His influence on comedy innovation, blues music preservation, and franchise building remains significant. As he reflected: “My whole thing is to entertain, make people laugh and to forget about the real world for awhile.”
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FAQ About Dan Aykroyd
What is Dan Aykroyd’s net worth in 2025?
According to Celebrity Net Worth Dan Aykroyd’s estimated net worth is $250 million from his entertainment career and business ventures.
How tall is Dan Aykroyd?
Dan Aykroyd stands at 6’1″ (1.85 meters) tall.
Is Dan Aykroyd still married to Donna Dixon?
Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon separated in 2022 but remain legally married as co-parents and business partners.
How old is Dan Aykroyd?
Dan Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, making him 73 years old as of 2025.
What are Dan Aykroyd’s most famous roles?
Aykroyd is best known for Elwood Blues in The Blues Brothers and Dr. Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters.
Does Dan Aykroyd have children?
Yes, Dan Aykroyd has three daughters: Danielle (Vera Sola), Belle, and Stella.
What businesses does Dan Aykroyd own?
Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka and House of Blues, plus owns Patrón tequila’s Canadian distribution.
Was Dan Aykroyd friends with John Belushi?
Yes, Aykroyd and John Belushi were close friends who created The Blues Brothers together.
Hello, I’m Serena Flores, a passionate writer with over 4 years of experience in lifestyle, biography, and internet culture content. I specialize in creating engaging, easy-to-read articles that simplify modern trends, slang, and real-life stories for every reader. My goal is to make complex topics relatable, offering well-researched insights and fresh perspectives that keep readers informed, inspired, and connected.