Dan Aykroyd Hails ‘SNL50’ as Triumphant Despite Missing the Show!

While he was certainly present in spirit, original cast member Dan Aykroyd was unable to attend the SNL50 festivities this past weekend.

On social media, Aykroyd expressed his admiration for the events, SNL: The Homecoming Concert and The Anniversary Special, applauding Lorne Michaels’ programming efforts as “triumphant” during the significant milestone celebration for the NBC sketch comedy series.

“All Heads up toasting triumphant SNL 50th,” Aykroyd shared on X. “Not being there in person – I got to catch every moment of the concert and show on TV. From my kids: ‘Look at daddy’s smile!’ Smiling from the beginning to the end. Congratulations Lorne. Nicely done as always.”

Previously, Aykroyd had stated, “Beaming with pride at being a co-founder of SNL alongside all those we started with four decades ago, five decades ago. This broadcast is as monumental as the next moon landing. Comedy giants of our era all united under the direction of America’s most esteemed living showman, my boss Lorne Michaels. Folks, it’s absolutely sacred!”

Aykroyd’s remarks came after The Homecoming Concert host Jimmy Fallon initiated the weekend with a musical homage to Aykroyd and John Belushi’s iconic ‘Blues Brothers’ roles, Elwood and Jake Blues.

Aykroyd, who was a part of SNL from 1975 to 1979 and created memorable characters like the Coneheads and the Festrunk Brothers, was mentioned multiple times throughout the anniversary events.

Without Aykroyd, the original SNL cast members appeared alongside Michaels during Sunday’s special, attracting 14.8 million viewers on Peacock and NBC.