NBCSaturday Night Live just celebrated its 50th anniversary, with stars turning up by the truckload – but everyone wants to know why iconic cast member Dan Aykroyd wasn’t at SNL 50.
Aykroyd was originally hired as a writer on the comedy TV show, but quickly became a cast member before the first season even aired in 1975. Since then, he’s maintained legend status as one of the original “Not Ready For Prime Time Players.”
He became known for his flawless impressions of celebrities and politicians, as well as his stint as a co-anchor on the Weekend Update segment, as well as the success of his on-screen musical duo The Blues Brothers with John Belushi.
So when all the stars turned out for SNL’s 50th celebration, including cast members old and new, many fans were disappointed to see that Aykroyd was nowhere to be found.
Dan Aykroyd’s SNL absence was announced beforehand
Dan Aykroyd didn’t appear on SNL 50 as his rep confirmed he had unspecified “prior commitments.”
It was actually announced that Aykroyd wouldn’t be appearing prior to the SNL 50 production, with a close source saying he “could not come.”
However, Aykroyd hasn’t remained quiet about the huge landmark in SNL’s history. In fact, he unleashed a series of enthusiastic posts on X about the upcoming celebration but hasn’t yet explained why he himself wasn’t in attendance.
In one post on February 3, he anticipated it would be “one of the greatest nights in television and indeed American culture,” adding, “The cameos and guest appearances from 50 years of SNL will have us agog.”
On February 5, he called it “an unparalleled comedy extravaganza to come,” and posted a few days later that “the show has become an essential reflection of the times we live in.”
Finally, on February 14, he wrote: “Cracking a Head with pride at having been a co-founder of SNL along with everyone we were together with in those four years, five decades ago.
NBC“This telecast is as historical as the next moon landing. Comedy stars of our age all gathered under the aegis of America’s greatest living impresario, my boss Lorne Michaels. People it’s friggin’ Holy!!”
Finally, on February 19, he acknowledged his absence, writing: “All Heads up toasting triumphant SNL 50th. Advantage of not attending – got to see every second of concert and show on TV. Quote from my children: ‘Look at daddy’s smile!’ Had it from start to finish. Congratulations Lorne. Well done as usual.”
His absence was made all the more noticeable in the build-up when Jimmy Fallon opened the SNL 50 Homecoming Concert with a tribute to the Blues Brothers.
Aykroyd wasn’t the only noticeable cast member missing from the collection. Bill Hader, who starred as a cast member from 2005-2013, also gave a “polite decline.”
For more, check out all the new TV shows arriving this month. You can also see what new movies are on streaming, so you don’t miss a hit.
