Dan Aykroyd Reveals Why He Chose to Skip the SNL50 Anniversary Special

Dan Aykroyd was notably absent from SNL50: The Anniversary Special earlier this year, but he has now revealed he made a purposeful decision to do so.

“I wanted to be at home and I wanted to watch the show beginning to end,” the Ghostbusters actor, 73, told Entertainment Weekly at Comic-Con 2025.

Aykroyd said he knew he’d be working if he were present for the milestone celebration, which aired on Feb. 16. However, he wanted to be able to sit back, relax and take it all in.

“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,” he explained. “I just wanted to see and live nostalgically with my family in my own home, eating my own popcorn.”

Aykroyd is a member of the original SNL cast, starring in the first season that aired from 1975 to 1976.

John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner were also included in the original cast.

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Aykrody is the only surviving original castmate who missed out on the 50th anniversary special. Chase, 81, and Curtin, 77, were present while Morris, 88, and Newman, 73, participated in sketches.

Belushi died of an apparent drug overdose at the age of 33 in 1982, while Radner died from ovarian cancer at the age of 42 in 1989.

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In one of the episode’s most touching moments, Curtin and Newman held up a photo of Radner during the goodbyes at the end of the show.

SNL50 was a star-studded affair from beginning to end.

Only Murders in the Building costars Steve Martin and Martin Short bookended the show, delivering the opening monologue and goodnight message, respectively.

Kenan Thompson hosted a Black Jeopardy! segment, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler led a Q&A with participation from celebrities in the audience, Colin Jost and Michael Che hosted a jam-packed Weekend Update, and Tom Hanks presented an in memoriam segment to cancelled sketches, among other memorable moments.

Musical guests included Paul Simon with Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus with Brittany Howard, Adam Sandler, Lil Wayne with The Roots and even The Beatles‘ Paul McCartney.

At the time, Aykroyd raved about the milestone special, writing on X: “All Heads up toasting triumphant SNL 50th.”

“Advantage of not attending – got to see every second of concert and show on TV,” he continued. “Quote from my children: ‘Look at daddy’s smile!’  Had it from start to finish. Congratulations Lorne.  Well done as usual.”

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Saturday Night Live returns for season 51 this fall on NBC. In the meantime, Saturday Night Live and SNL50: The Anniversary Special can be streamed on Peacock.