Dan Aykroyd discusses collaborations in show business, working on movies like 'Trading Places' and 'Tommy Boy', and their belief in UFOs. They also talk about their love story, early experiences in comedy, Crystal Head vodka, and living in the country with Canadian Nice.
Dan Aykroyd reminisces about his collaboration with John Belushi and Carrie Fisher in creating Blues Brothers and their continued friendship despite the end of their romantic relationship.
Aykroyd discusses the influence of Yiddish theater and his admiration for Jerry Lewis's physical comedy, emphasizing his use of hands and fingers in comedic movements and his portrayal in various movies.
Aykroyd reveals his departure from Saturday Night Live was influenced by his commitment to finish filming Blues Brothers and highlights his deep respect and fondness for Lorne Michaels as a mentor.
Deep dives
The Creation of Blues Brothers and Working with Carrie Fisher
Dan Aykroyd reflects on the creation of Blues Brothers, mentioning his collaboration with John Belushi and working with Carrie Fisher. He reveals that they almost got married and shares a bittersweet memory of dropping her off at the airport. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Aykroyd expresses his continued friendship with Fisher and their shared love for the film. Additionally, he discusses the involvement of other legendary actors in Blues Brothers, such as John Candy and musicians like Cropper and Dunn.
The Influence of Yiddish Theater on Comedy and Jerry Lewis
Dan Aykroyd talks about the influence of Yiddish theater on comedy and his admiration for Jerry Lewis's physical comedy. He highlights Lewis's ability to use his hands and fingers in comedic movements and mentions the brilliance of his portrayal in various movies. Aykroyd also shares his appreciation for physical comedy, drawing parallels between Yiddish theater humor and Lewis's style, which showcased exaggerated physicality and slapstick elements.
SNL Departure and Relationship with Lorne Michaels
Dan Aykroyd discusses his departure from Saturday Night Live after four years on the show. He reveals that his decision to leave was influenced by his commitment to finish filming Blues Brothers. Aykroyd clarifies that Lorne Michaels always encouraged the cast members to pursue their interests and was supportive of their decisions. He expresses his deep respect and fondness for Michaels, referring to him as a mentor and praising his contribution to the show's continued success.
Origin of Crystal Head Vodka
The podcast episode delves into the origin of Crystal Head Vodka, which is based on the legend of the Crystal Heads referenced in an Indiana Jones movie. The heads were allegedly used as crystal balls by the Navajo, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations. The creators of Crystal Head Vodka aimed to promote purified drinking by producing a vodka without pollutants, glycols, or sugar. The unique packaging of the vodka is inspired by the Crystal Heads legend.
Career in Comedy and Impressionists
The podcast episode discusses the trajectory of the comedian's career, specifically during their time on Saturday Night Live (SNL). They reminisce about their early days in comedy and their interactions with notable figures such as George Carlin and Richard Pryor. The episode also touches upon the influence of impressionists like Rich Little and Fred Travalina, and how their work paved the way for the SNL cast to reimagine and modernize those impressions in a postmodern context.
