Dan Aykroyd Biography: Wife, Children, Age, Net Worth, Movies, TV Shows, Wikipedia,

Daniel Edward Aykroyd, CM OOnt, professionally known as Dan Aykroyd, is a distinguished Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer.

He rose to prominence as a writer and original cast member of Saturday Night Live (1975–1979). Aykroyd is widely recognized for his performances in iconic films such as The Blues Brothers (1980) and Ghostbusters (1984).

His extensive filmography includes notable roles in 1941 (1979), Trading Places (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), Dragnet (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), Nothing but Trouble (1991), and Coneheads (1993).

Profile

• Full Name: Daniel Edward Aykroyd
• Stage Name: Dan Aykroyd
• Born: July 1 1952
• Age: 72 years old
• Birthplace: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Occupation: Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and producer
• Height: 1.85 m
• Parents: Samuel Peter Aykroyd, Lorraine Hélène Aykroyd
• Siblings: Peter Aykroyd
• Spouse: Donna Dixon ​ ​(m. 1983; Sep. 2022)​
• Children: Vera Sola, Stella Irene August Aykroyd, Belle Kingston Aykroyd
• Relationship: Separated
• Net Worth: $250 million

Early Life And Education

Daniel Edward Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

He is the son of Samuel Cuthbert Peter Hugh Aykroyd, a civil engineer and policy adviser to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, and Lorraine Hélène Marie Gougeon, a secretary of French Canadian descent. He grew up alongside his brother, Peter Aykroyd, who became an actor and psychic researcher.

Aykroyd received his early education at St. Pius X and St. Patrick’s High Schools in Ottawa. He later enrolled at Carleton University, where he studied criminology and sociology.

However, he did not complete his degree, instead shifting his focus toward his growing interest in performance and comedy.

He is of mixed European heritage; Aykroyd’s father had English, Scottish, Irish, French, and Dutch ancestry, while his mother was of French Canadian descent. And was raised in a devout Catholic household.

Career

Dan Aykroyd began his career in Canada, joining a Toronto-based acting company before moving to the United States to pursue opportunities in film and television.

His breakthrough came as an original Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast member from 1975 to 1979 when he became one of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players.”

His work on SNL was highly acclaimed, featuring memorable characters such as Elwood Blues from The Blues Brothers and Beldar Conehead from The Coneheads.

He received five Primetime Emmy Award nominations during his tenure and won one for Outstanding Writing in 1977.

Following his departure from SNL in 1979, Aykroyd transitioned to film, securing roles in 1941 (1979), The Blues Brothers (1980), Neighbors (1981), and Trading Places (1983), further cementing his status as a comedic star.

His most iconic role was Dr. Raymond Stantz in Ghostbusters (1984), a film he co-wrote with Harold Ramis. The movie became a cultural phenomenon and a major box office success, leading to a sequel, Ghostbusters II (1989), and later revivals.

Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, he appeared in popular films such as Spies Like Us (1985), Dragnet (1987), The Great Outdoors (1988), and Coneheads (1993). He also made his directorial debut with Nothing But Trouble (1991), which he co-wrote with his brother, Peter Aykroyd.

Beyond acting, Aykroyd has maintained a diverse career in entertainment and business. He starred in the sitcom Soul Man (1997–1998) and made guest appearances on shows such as The Nanny (1994), According to Jim (2002–2009), and Workin’ Moms (2017–2023).

He has voiced characters in animated projects, including Yogi Bear (2010), and continued acting in films like Pearl Harbor (2001) and 50 First Dates (2004). A passionate blues music enthusiast, he co-founded the House of Blues in 1992 to promote African-American contributions to music.

Additionally, he launched Crystal Head Vodka and has been involved in philanthropic efforts, including the Blue Line Foundation, which aids first responders in acquiring affordable housing in New Orleans.

Awards and Nominations

Dan Aykroyd, a renowned Canadian actor and comedian, has received numerous awards and nominations.

• Primetime Emmy Award: Won for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series (1977) for Saturday Night Live.
• Razzie Awards: Won two Razzie Awards, one for Worst Supporting Actor (1992).
• Canada’s Walk of Fame: Received a star in 2002.
• Order of Canada: Appointed as a Member in 1998.
• Order of Ontario: Appointed as a Member in 2018.
• Academy Awards, USA: Nominated Best Supporting Actor for Driving Miss Daisy (1990).
• Primetime Emmy Awards: Five nominations, including Outstanding Comedy-Variety or Music Program and writing categories.
• Razzie Awards: Eight nominations, including Worst Screen Couple and Worst Director

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @therealdanaykroyd
• Facebook handle: Dan Aykroyd

Personal Life

Dan Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon on April 29, 1983. After nearly 40 years together, they announced their separation in April 2022 but remain legally married and continue to co-parent their three daughters: Danielle (known professionally as Vera Sola), Belle, and Stella.

The couple first met on the set of Doctor Detroit (1983) and later appeared together in several films, including Twilight Zone: The Movie (1983), Spies Like Us (1985), The Couch Trip (1988), and Exit to Eden (1994). Before marrying Dixon, Aykroyd was briefly engaged to actress Carrie Fisher.

Filmography

• Love at First Sight (1976)
• Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video (1979)
• 1941 (1979)
• The Blues Brothers (1980)
• Neighbors (1981)
• It Came from Hollywood (1982)
• Doctor Detroit (1983)
• Into the Night (1985)
• Spies Like Us (1985)
• Dragnet (1987)
• The Couch Trip (1988)
• She’s Having a Baby (1988)
• Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
• Ghostbusters II (1989)
• Loose Cannons (1990)
• Masters of Menace (1990)
• Bright Young Things (2003)
• 50 First Dates (2004)
• Intern Academy (2004)
• Christmas with the Kranks (2004)
• I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry (2007)
• Stardom (2000)
• The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001)
• Evolution (2001)
• The Frank Truth (2001)
• On the Nose (2001)
• Tammy (2014)
• Get On Up (2014)
• Pixels (2015)
• Being Canadian (2015)
• Ghostbusters (2016)
• Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters (2019)
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
• Saturday Night Live (1975-1979)
• The Beach Boys: It’s OK (1976)
• Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video (1979)
• Police Academy (1988)
• Soul Man (1997-1998)
• The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1998)
• Saturday Night Live: The Best of Steve Martin (1998)
• Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)
• Extreme Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Invasion (2000)
• The Best of Dan Aykroyd (2001)
• Hotel Paranormal (2020-2021)
• The Simpsons (2021) (TV Series)
• Workin’ Moms (2017-2023)
• The Conners (2019)

Net Worth

Dan Aykroyd’s net worth is estimated at approximately $250 million.

His wealth stems from his successful acting career in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers and entrepreneurial ventures like Crystal Head Vodka and the House of Blues.

In addition to film and business, Aykroyd has earned significantly from real estate investments, brand endorsements, and ongoing work in the entertainment industry.