Some stars play a character. Dan Aykroyd built a universe — then bottled it in a glass skull. 👻
Born July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, Aykroyd went from a kid writing paranormal newsletters to an original Saturday Night Live cast member, the co-writer and star of Ghostbusters, and a spirits-industry mogul. In 2026, at 74, he’s still shaping the franchise he created: a Ghostbusters animated series is coming to Netflix with him aboard as an executive producer.
Then: The hardest-working original SNL cast member 🎭
When Saturday Night Live premiered in 1975, Aykroyd was its engine room — a writer-performer who created the Coneheads, the manic Bass-O-Matic pitchman, and, with his close friend John Belushi, the Blues Brothers, a sketch that escaped the studio to become a hit film and a real touring band. He shared those chaotic early seasons with fellow originals like Chevy Chase, and won an Emmy for his SNL writing in 1977.
Then came the idea only he could have had. Fascinated by the paranormal since childhood, Aykroyd co-wrote Ghostbusters (1984) with Harold Ramis and starred as the earnest, excitable Dr. Ray Stantz. It became one of the defining comedies of the decade — and a franchise that never really left him.
The 1980s kept rolling: Trading Places (1983) opposite Eddie Murphy, Ghostbusters II (1989), and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in Driving Miss Daisy (1989) that proved the funny guy could break hearts too.
Middle: Franchises, cameos, and a second career in spirits 🥃
The 1990s and 2000s turned Aykroyd into Hollywood’s favorite utility player: My Girl, Coneheads (1993), Tommy Boy, Grosse Pointe Blank — and, decades later, a warmly received return as Ray Stantz in Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021) and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
Off screen, he was building something arguably bigger. Aykroyd co-founded the House of Blues music venues and launched Crystal Head Vodka in 2007 — the ultra-premium spirit in the unmistakable skull-shaped bottle that became a global luxury brand.
His personal life shifted, too. After 39 years of marriage to actress Donna Dixon — with whom he shares three daughters, Danielle, Belle, and Stella — the couple separated in 2022, though they remain legally married and continue to co-parent.
Now: Back to busting ghosts — as a producer 👻
In May 2026, Netflix confirmed a Ghostbusters animated series for a 2027 debut — with Aykroyd joining as executive producer alongside Jason Reitman and Gil Kenan, the directors of the recent films. More than four decades after he dreamed it up, he’s still steering the franchise, now through Ghost Corps, the Sony-based label he co-founded.
These days, the Hollywood grind has taken a back seat. Aykroyd told People in 2024 that he wants to “really live” for his children — prioritizing family and his business ventures, from Crystal Head to newer explorations in whiskey and cannabis, over chasing roles.
From Conehead to mogul to mentor of a new generation of Ghostbusters, Aykroyd’s arc is the rare Hollywood story where the creator never had to let go. His old Ghostbusters co-star Bill Murray may still joke about the franchise — Aykroyd is out here producing its future. 🚫👻
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
How old is Dan Aykroyd in 2026?
Dan Aykroyd is 74 in 2026. He was born July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Did Dan Aykroyd create Ghostbusters?
Yes. Aykroyd co-wrote the original Ghostbusters (1984) with Harold Ramis and starred as Dr. Ray Stantz. He has reprised the role in every live-action sequel, including Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024).
What is Dan Aykroyd doing in 2026?
He joined Netflix’s Ghostbusters animated series (debuting 2027) as an executive producer, announced in May 2026. He remains active with Crystal Head Vodka and his other business ventures.
What is Crystal Head Vodka?
An ultra-premium vodka Aykroyd co-founded in 2007, famous for its skull-shaped bottle. It has grown into a global luxury brand and a major part of his business portfolio.
Is Dan Aykroyd still married to Donna Dixon?
The couple separated in 2022 after 39 years of marriage but remain legally married. They share three daughters — Danielle, Belle, and Stella — and continue to co-parent.
Was Dan Aykroyd on the original Saturday Night Live?
Yes. He was an original cast member from 1975 to 1979, created the Coneheads and the Blues Brothers (with John Belushi), and won an Emmy for his SNL writing in 1977.