How Dan Aykroyd Almost Became A Prison Guard Before Changing Career Path

by

As a lifestyle expert reflecting on the captivating journey of Dan Aykroyd, I am truly inspired by his transformation from a young man with traditional aspirations to a renowned comedian and actor. Growing up in Ottawa, much like Aykroyd, I too harbored dreams of leading a ‘normal’ life. However, it was the nudge from an unexpected source that steered us both towards unconventional paths.

Dan Aykroyd, renowned for his roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers, and a Canadian actor, once contemplated a different professional route. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Aykroyd shared that he seriously thought about joining the federal service. Raised in Ottawa, Aykroyd’s ambitions were more conventional, aiming at building a career and living an ordinary life.

As a teenager working for the Canadian National Railway, Aykroyd had simple aspirations: earn money, acquire a car, and go out on dates. However, when he was just twelve years old, his parents enrolled him in improvisation classes. Although he hadn’t planned to make it a career at first, these classes—conducted in the basement of Ottawa Theatre—sparked his creative enthusiasm and steered him towards a new path.

After completing high school, Aykroyd took on the role of a mail truck driver while simultaneously attending Carleton University to pursue a degree in criminology. This career choice deviated from his initial plans due to the influence of a close friend.

As an ardent admirer, I couldn’t help but echo Valri Bromfield’s words when she urged Dan Aykroyd to chase his comedy dreams. Her encouragement was instrumental in propelling him from a conventional career path towards the vibrant world of entertainment. It was Bromfield’s belief and Aykroyd’s innate creative spark that ultimately catapulted him into a flourishing comedic career, gracing us with iconic roles in Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers.

In the pivotal encounter with someone who passionately advocated for me, Dan Aykroyd, to pursue a career in comedy instead of becoming a prison guard, their persuasive words left an indelible mark on my decision-making process. This individual insisted on teaming up for comedic writing ventures and clearly conveyed that my destiny lay within the realm of comedy.

When Lorne Michaels, who later created Saturday Night Live, received encouragement from their cable TV program, it turned out to be very beneficial for him. This exposure kept Aykroyd on Michaels’ radar and opened up more television opportunities for him, which was made possible by the attention that show generated.

Looking back at his professional life, Aykroyd confessed that Valri’s unyielding support motivated him to abandon Ottawa and join Second City. He admitted that without Valri’s influence, he might have contentedly spent twenty years as a jail clerk before retiring, but his path significantly diverged from this expected trajectory.

Instead of choosing a job within prison walls, Aykroyd opted to join the inaugural cast of Saturday Night Live in 1975. His comedic talents, alongside those of Gilda Radner, Chevy Chase, Garrett Morris, Jane Curtin, John Belushi, and Laraine Newman, marked the beginning of a highly prosperous career for him.

In the course of my journey, I found myself gracing the silver screen in iconic films such as Ghostbusters, earning an Oscar nod for my performances in Driving Miss Daisy and My Girl. Notably, my decision to relocate set the stage for the 1980 premiere of The Blues Brothers movie, another remarkable milestone in my career.

Aykroyd frequently credits Valri with playing a significant role in his career shift, expressing gratitude for the influence she had on him. In an Audible original production, he talks about The Blues Brothers, aiming to amuse listeners, evoke deep feelings towards Belushi, and inspire them to follow their passions.

Read More

2024-08-06 11:22