Dan Aykroyd, a prominent figure from the original cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently explained his decision to skip the 50th Anniversary Special of the iconic show earlier this year. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly at Comic-Con 2025, Aykroyd expressed that he preferred to enjoy the milestone from the comfort of his home.
At 73 years old, the Ghostbusters star shared that he intentionally chose to watch the event with his family rather than participating in person. He stated, “I wanted to see it live. I’m a fan of the show today, and I watch it all the time. I love these new players; I think they’re just great.” This decision allowed him to savor the nostalgia and excitement of the show as a spectator.
Notably, Aykroyd is one of the few surviving original cast members of SNL, which debuted in 1975. While he was absent from the anniversary celebration, other original cast members, including Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin, were present, while Garrett Morris and Laraine Newman participated in sketches. The special was a star-studded event, featuring cameos from various celebrities and musical performances from renowned artists such as Paul Simon and Miley Cyrus.
Reflecting on his absence, Aykroyd indicated that missing the event gave him the advantage of witnessing the entire show on television, which allowed him to fully enjoy the experience. His enthusiasm for SNL remains strong, and he congratulated the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, on the special via social media, saying he had immense joy watching it unfold.
As SNL gears up for its 51st season this fall, fans can look forward to new sketches and performances, with previous episodes, including the anniversary special, available for streaming on Peacock.
This insight into Aykroyd’s choice adds a personal touch to the celebration of SNL’s legacy and highlights the ongoing connection between the original cast and the show’s contemporary iterations. It demonstrates that even seasoned performers can enjoy the nostalgia of their past in new ways, offering a refreshing perspective on the ongoing evolution of comedy.