Episode description

This year marks the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live” – and while many of the “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” have gone on to achieve remarkable careers, few have had as fascinating a journey as Dan Aykroyd’s. As the youngest member of the 1975 original cast, Aykroyd quickly became known for his iconic sketches, including parodies of Julia Child and Richard Nixon, the beloved “Two Wild and Crazy Guys,” and the absurd “Bass-o-Matic.” His sketch “The Blues Brothers” not only became a cultural touchstone, but evolved into successful feature films and a live musical act. Aykroyd’s talents also extend to behind the camera, as he wrote and starred in the comedy classics “Dragnet,” “Coneheads,” “Spies Like Us” and “Ghostbusters.” Aykroyd’s career has earned him numerous accolades, including an Emmy Award and Grammy and Academy Award nominations. He is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of the House of Blues music venues and Crystal Head Vodka. In this conversation, host Alec Baldwin speaks with Aykroyd about the early days of “SNL,” the evolution of his career into music and dramatic roles, and how his upbringing helped shape the creation of “Ghostbusters.”

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