Dan Aykroyd Explains His Absence from SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special
This is Sage Matthews. Here is the inside scoop: Dan Aykroyd has finally opened up about why he sat out the star-studded SNL 50th Anniversary special in February 2015. In an exclusive new interview with People magazine, the original “Saturday Night Live” cast member cited scheduling conflicts and creative priorities as the driving factors behind his no-show. According to sources at Entertainment Tonight, Aykroyd’s longstanding commitment to the Blues Brothers franchise and a desire to preserve the integrity of his early work played pivotal roles in his decision.
When NBC rolled out its three-hour spectacle on February 15, 2015, fans expected Arnold Schwarzenegger, Eddie Murphy and everyone from the original lineup to reunite under the bright lights of Studio 8H. Instead, Aykroyd’s absence was a glaring omission. Now, nine years later, he told People that shooting the Blues Brothers 2000 sequel and developing a new screenplay made it impossible to carve out the tight rehearsal window that Lorne Michaels required for the live sketches. “I didn’t want to decline at the last minute,” Aykroyd explained. “I respect SNL too much to appear unprepared.”
In the Entertainment Tonight report, industry insiders confirm that Aykroyd’s production schedule conflicted with SNL’s rehearsal calendar. The network set sketch rehearsals just two weeks before airtime, barely enough time to accommodate a lead actor already filming on location in New Orleans. Aykroyd also told GQ magazine that he felt his contributions to the original show—starting in 1975—were better celebrated through archival footage and behind-the-scenes segments rather than a rushed cameo.
Beyond logistics, Aykroyd underscored a deeper creative conviction. He wanted any return to feel organic, not a token gesture. While cast mates like Bill Murray and Chevy Chase dropped by for surprise sketches, Aykroyd insisted on a more intentional approach. “My early years on SNL were formative, but I’ve grown in many directions since then,” he said. “I prefer to honor those roots thoughtfully.”
The actor’s candid admission also sheds light on star dynamics within SNL’s alumni community. According to Lorne Michaels’ own statements, the special was designed to spotlight the current ensemble, with legends popping in for guest spots. Aykroyd’s choice to focus on projects with long-term creative potential rather than a one-off television appearance reflects his evolved priorities as a writer and producer.
As the 50th anniversary fades into TV history, fans can revisit highlights on NBC’s streaming platform. Aykroyd hinted at possible future collaborations, teasing that he’s developing a new comedy series with original SNL writers. Time will tell if he’ll return to live sketch television under Studio 8H’s famed neon sign.
And that is that. You decide what it all means.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, GQ Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
