**Dan Aykroyd** (born Daniel Edward Aykroyd, 1952) is a Canadian actor, comedian, screenwriter, and musician who rose to prominence from the success of Saturday Night Live. His film career is studded with iconic roles that have defined his unique style.

He achieved global fame with **The Blues Brothers** (1980), where he portrayed the unforgettable Elwood Blues alongside John Belushi. His mark in comedy cinema was solidified with **Ghostbusters** (1984), for which he also co-wrote the screenplay and in which he brought to life the charismatic Dr. Raymond Stantz, a role that reflects his interest in the paranormal.

Aykroyd is known for eccentric characters, often intellectual but with a surreal or obsessive touch, portrayed with deadpan and intelligent humor, as also demonstrated in **Trading Places** (1983) and **Spies Like Us** (1985). He demonstrated his versatility by earning an Academy Award nomination for his dramatic role in **Driving Miss Daisy** (1989). His career has made him a pivotal figure in American comedy.