Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dan Aykroyd’s Net Worth?
Dan Aykroyd, the multifaceted Canadian comedian, actor, screenwriter, and entrepreneur, has cultivated a substantial net worth estimated at $250 million. This impressive figure is a testament to his decades-long career spanning various entertainment and business ventures.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Aykroyd’s career took off with his involvement in the Second City comedy troupe in Toronto, followed by a significant stint on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) from 1975 to 1979. During his time on SNL, Aykroyd became known for creating iconic characters and sketches, most notably the Blues Brothers with John Belushi. This venture eventually led to the creation of the 1980 film “The Blues Brothers”.
His film career gained momentum with leading roles in comedies such as “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Dragnet” (1987). Aykroyd co-wrote and starred in these films, demonstrating his dual talent for writing and acting. “Ghostbusters” became a cultural phenomenon, grossing $295.7 million worldwide. This success led to sequels and spin-offs, including a 1989 sequel, a 2016 reboot where Aykroyd made a cameo as a cab driver, and an animated series, “The Real Ghostbusters” (1986-1991).
According to reports, to secure the rights to the “Ghostbusters” script, Columbia Pictures offered generous terms negotiated by Michael Ovitz of CAA. Aykroyd, along with fellow actors Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, and director Ivan Reitman, were to split 30% of the movie’s gross revenues from box office, home video sales, and network licensing. This deal resulted in an estimated $300 million split four ways, equating to $75 million per person, or $200 million per person when adjusted for inflation.
For “Ghostbusters II,” the four principals negotiated an even more lucrative deal, each receiving a $6 million upfront salary and splitting 35% of the gross. Although “Ghostbusters II” was less successful, earning $215 million at the box office, it is estimated that each of the four earned $50 million between salary and backend points, or $110 million after adjusting for inflation. In total, Dan Aykroyd reportedly earned approximately $125 million from the first two “Ghostbusters” films, or $310 million when adjusted for inflation.
Aykroyd’s versatility extended to dramatic roles in films such as “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989) and “My Girl” (1991). In “Driving Miss Daisy”, his performance earned him an Academy Award nomination.
In 1983, Aykroyd co-starred with Eddie Murphy in “Trading Places,” which further solidified his status as a comedic actor. He also wrote and starred in “Spies Like Us” (1987) and appeared in “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989), “Nothing But Trouble” (1991), which he also directed, “Coneheads” (1993), and “Tommy Boy” (1995).
Aykroyd expanded his portfolio with various television projects. From 1996 to 2000, he hosted “Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal,” created by his brother. He also starred in the ABC sitcom “Soul Man” from 1997 to 1998, playing a widowed priest.
In the 2000s, Aykroyd appeared in over two dozen films, including “Evolution” (2000), “50 First Dates” (2004), “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry” (2007), and “Tammy” (2014). He reprised his role in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” released in 2021.
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments
Beyond his entertainment career, Aykroyd has demonstrated a knack for entrepreneurship. In 1992, he co-founded the House of Blues, a concert venue and restaurant chain. This venture expanded his financial interests beyond acting and film production.
In 2007, Aykroyd launched Crystal Head Vodka, a brand known for its distinctive crystal skull-shaped bottles. With an initial investment of $600,000, the vodka business quickly grew, achieving over $55 million in annual revenue by 2011. By 2018, the company’s revenue exceeded $80 million, demonstrating Aykroyd’s business acumen. Today, annual revenue tops $80-$100 million.
Real Estate Holdings
Aykroyd’s real estate dealings also contributed to his overall net worth. In 1988, Dan and his brother acquired a 4,176-square-foot house in Los Angeles for $732,500, which they later sold for $2.13 million in 2008. In 2007, Aykroyd purchased a 4-bedroom home in the Pacific Palisades for $14.5 million. He sold a 4,828-square-foot home in the Hollywood Hills for $3.8 million in 2008. In 2014, Aykroyd listed the Pacific Palisades home for rent at $45,000 per month.
Early Life and Education
Daniel Edward Aykroyd was born on July 1, 1952, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. His mother, Lorraine, worked as a secretary, and his father, Samuel (Peter) Aykroyd, was an author and civil engineer, who was a policy advisor under Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau’s administration. Aykroyd has a younger brother, Peter, who became an actor and writer.
Aykroyd was raised in a Catholic household and initially planned to become a priest. He attended St. Pius X High School and St. Patrick’s High School before studying sociology and criminology at Carleton University. He dropped out of college before earning his degree and began performing comedy at Canadian nightclubs. He joined the Second City comedy troupe in 1973 and ran a speakeasy called Club 505.
Personal Life
Dan was engaged to Carrie Fisher, his co-star in “The Blues Brothers,” in 1980, but she left him for former boyfriend Paul Simon. Aykroyd married actress Donna Dixon on April 29, 1983, and they have three daughters: Danielle (born in November 1989), Belle (born in June 1993), and Stella (born in April 1998). Dan was close friends with John Belushi, and he was devastated by his death.
Aykroyd is a Spiritualist and has an interest in UFOlogy. He is a member of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and serves as the organization’s Hollywood consultant. His interest in UFOs led him to host “Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal” and release the DVD “Dan Aykroyd: Unplugged on UFOs.” In 2009, Dan’s father published a book about the Aykroyds’ family history with Spiritualism, and Dan wrote the introduction to “A History of Ghosts” and helped promote the book.
Awards and Honors
In 1977, Dan shared an Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Series with the “Saturday Night Live” writing staff. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in “Driving Miss Daisy” in 1990. Carleton University awarded him an honorary Doctor of Literature degree in 1994. In 1997, he received a Snuffed Candle Award from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry for his involvement with “Psi Factor.” In 2002, Aykroyd received a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame. He was appointed to the Order of Canada in 1999 and the Order of Ontario in 2017.
