One of Aykroyd's most memorable roles was when he joined the cast and writing staff of "Saturday Night Live" in 1975, to forever change the face of television. After forming The Blues Brothers Band with John Belushi, the two recorded their hit album, "Briefcase Full of Blues," in 1979, as well as starred in the comedy, "The Blues Brothers."

Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, Aykroyd graduated from the Carleton University in Ottawa with emphasis in psychology, political science and criminal sociology. This was when Dan began to pursue his interest in drama, where he was active in the college's Sock and Buskin Drama Guild.

In 1972, the Canadian-born actor entered the exciting world of show business by producing, co-writing and acting in a series of 15-minute comedy shows, entitled "A Change for a Quarter," for a private cable company. There was never a quiet moment in Aykroyd's life -- that same year he joined the famed Second City Comedy Troupe, performing with them in Chicago and Toronto until 1974.

Following this success, Dan continued to light up the screen with his comical style, which came so easily to him. His starring roles in movies include "Trading Places," opposite Eddie Murphy; "Ghostbusters" and "Ghostbusters II" (both of which he also originated and co-wrote); "Spies Like Us" (originator and co-writer), "Dragnet" (co-writer) and "Coneheads." Other films include "The Couch Trip," "Exit to Eden," "Sgt. Bilko," "Celtic Pride," "Feeling Minnesota" and "Getting Away With Murder"; with guest star appearances in "Twilight Zone: The Movie," "Caddyshack II" and "Tommy Boy." In 1986, Aykroyd produced the feature film, "One More Saturday Night," for tape and cable markets.

In 1990, Aykroyd's role in "Driving Miss Daisy" brought him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Aykroyd directed his first feature film in 1991, starring himself and pals Chevy Chase and John Candy, in "Nothing But Trouble." After working with these two comedy kings, Aykroyd took a dramatic turn, starring in "My Girl," with Jamie Lee Curtis, Macaulay Culkin and newcomer Anna Chlumsky. In the fall of 1992, he starred in "Sneakers," alongside Robert Redford. In the winter of 1992, he portrayed legendary filmmaker Mack Sennett in the film, "Chaplin."

Most recently Aykroyd starred in "My Fellow Americans" and "Grosse Point Blank" with John Cusack.

Aykroyd also serves as the host of the syndicated series, "Psi Factor," entering its second season; and has just completed "Blues Brothers 2000" for Universal Pictures. The feature film, written, directed and starring Aykroyd as Elwood Blues, will be released in the first quarter of 1998. He also hosts the House of Blues Radio Hour.

Not only is Aykroyd an accomplished actor, writer and director, he is on the Board of Directors for The House of Blues, a restaurant/nightclub with locations in Los Angeles, Cambridge, New Orleans, Chicago, Myrtle Beach and Orlando.

Dan resides in Los Angeles and Canada with his wife, Donna Dixon.

VITAL STATISTICS
BIRTHPLACE: Ottawa, Canada
BIRTHDATE: July 1
EYES: Brown
HAIR: Brown

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