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Canada Dan Aykroyd has established a multifaceted career spanning comedy, acting, screenwriting, and entrepreneurship, contributing to iconic films and successfully launching several businesses.
Dan Aykroyd co-founded Crystal Head Vodka in 2007 with artist John Alexander. The brand is known for its skull-shaped bottle and for being filtered through Herkimer diamond crystals.
In 1992, Aykroyd co-founded the House of Blues chain of music venues with Isaac Tigrett, aiming to host diverse musical performances with a focus on blues and folk art.
Aykroyd established a company in 2005 to import Patron tequila into Canada, indicating his involvement in the beverage distribution business.
Aykroyd invested $1 million in Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd. in Niagara, launching his own wine label, Dan Aykroyd Wines.
In collaboration with De Loach vineyards, Aykroyd released his wine under the 'Dan Aykroyd Discovery series' label.
In 2015, Aykroyd appeared in a State Farm insurance commercial, reprising his role as Beldar Conehead alongside Jane Curtin and Laraine Newman.
Dan Aykroyd portrayed Beldar Conehead in a State Farm commercial, reuniting with original cast members for the campaign.
Daniel Edward Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. He attended Carleton University in 1969, studying Criminology and Sociology before pursuing a career in comedy. His early experiences included performing in Canadian nightclubs and managing an after-hours club in Toronto. He honed his comedic skills with the Second City Stage Troupe in Toronto, marking the beginning of his professional entertainment journey. Aykroyd’s early exposure to blues music at Ottawa’s Le Hibou club significantly influenced his later musical ventures.
Aykroyd rose to prominence as a writer and original cast member of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) from 1975 to 1979. During this period, he created and portrayed memorable characters such as Beldar Conehead and Elwood J. Blues, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series in 1977. Following his SNL success, he co-wrote and starred in “The Blues Brothers” (1980), which became a box office hit. He further solidified his status with “Ghostbusters” (1984), a film he conceptualized and co-wrote, which achieved significant commercial success. His performance in “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Beyond his acting and writing, Aykroyd has ventured into various business endeavors. In 1992, he co-founded the House of Blues chain of music venues. He also launched Crystal Head Vodka in 2007, known for its distinctive skull-shaped bottle. Additionally, he has engaged in the wine industry with his own label and distributed Patron tequila in Canada. Throughout his career, Aykroyd has consistently demonstrated an ability to innovate and expand his influence across different creative and business domains.
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