Dan Aykroyd
Oscar Winning Actor, Emmy Award Winning Writer, Comedian & Screenwriter
Biography
Daniel Aykroyd is an Academy Award nominated and Emmy Award winning actor, comedian, screenwriter, and most recently business entrepreneur. He attended Carleton University in Canada, but dropped out before receiving his degree. He veered away from his study of criminology in college in order to pursue his interest in acting. He began as a comedian in various Canadian nightclubs and went on to gain experience in the SecondCity comedy troupe and the National Lampoon stage shows. He became a regular on Saturday Night Live in 1975 due to his political satire powered by flawless impersonations of Presidents Nixon and Carter. Collaborating with fellow cast members from SNL led to the creation of such memorable duos as Two Wild and Crazy Guys (with Steve Martin) and The Blues Brothers (with John Belushi), which gained big-screen life in The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). His interest in crime led him to film roles on both sides of the law, including good-guy 'Sgt. Joe Friday' in Dragnet, hit man 'Grocer' in Grosse Pointe Blank, and break-in expert Mother in Sneakers. He also appeared in the films Stardom, Pearl Harbor, Bright Young Things, 50 First Dates, I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, The Campaign and Behind the Candelabra. Aykroyd has been honored numerous times for both his acting and screenwriting capabilities. In 1977 he received an Emmy Award for writing on SNL and he later received two more nominations for writing, and one each for acting and Outstanding Comedy-Variety series. He received an Academy Award nomination as Best Supporting Actor for Driving Miss Daisy. He has been inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame and maintains his Canadian roots as a longtime resident of Kingston, Ontario. In 1994 Aykroyd received an honorary Doctor of Literature degree from Carleton University. Aykroyd has pursued varied business interests. In 1992 he, along with many other notable music and Hollywood personalities, founded the House of Blues. The House of Blues currently has 13 live music concert halls across the country. In 2007 Aykroyd announced his newest venture--The Dan Aykroyd Winery. The $11 million dollar winery is all green, featuring solar panels and environmental water management systems. Located near the town of Lincoln, Ontario in Canada the vineyard's lodge showcases souvenirs from his movies.
Speech Topics
History of Actual Human Contact with Living Alien Beings and Their Technologies
Cat Lives: Risk, Chance and Survival
His six near fatal events.
Jewish Origins of American Humor
From the Sages of Helm to SNL.
Leadership and Collaboration
His experiences at Second City, Saturday Night Live and as a Cooperative Large Screen Feature Filmmaker
Videos
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I check Dan Aykroyd's availability or request a quote?
You can inquire about Dan Aykroyd's availability or get a customized quote by contacting Key Speakers directly. Our team will help you determine fit, logistics, and budget options for your upcoming event.What factors influence the speaker's fee?
Other factors that influence a keynote speaker's fee include their reputation, expertise, demand, experience, duration of the presentation, travel requirements for the event location, and any additional services, activities or customization options they offer.Are travel expenses included in the speaker's fee?
Travel expenses are typically not included in the listed speaker's fee and are quoted separately. If the speaker needs to travel internationally, fees will be higher. These expenses may include airfare, accommodation, ground transportation at home and in the event city, and meals. We can provide more detailed information about travel expenses and arrangements once you've selected a speaker.How do I book Dan Aykroyd for my event?
The speaker booking process typically involves the following steps: contact Key Speakers to confirm Dan Aykroyd's availability, fees, and any unique requirements (we can also help negotiate fees and terms); submit a firm offer to extend the invite to your speaker, with the details used to create an agreement once the speaker accepts; coordinate and finalize the terms of the booking, including contract terms and conditions; and confirm the booking by signing the contract and making the necessary payments.What types of events do keynote speakers typically speak at?
Keynote speakers can speak at a wide range of events, virtual or in person, including conferences, corporate meetings, industry conventions, seminars, workshops, fundraising galas, educational programs, and other special occasions where an inspirational or informative address is desired.How do I select the right keynote speaker for my event?
When selecting a keynote speaker, consider the following factors: the speaker's expertise and knowledge relevant to your event's theme or industry; their speaking style, ability to engage the audience, and deliver impactful messages; past client testimonials, reviews, or references; and the speaker's availability and fee within your budget.What are the payment terms and conditions?
A deposit is required upon signing the contract, with the remaining balance due 2–4 weeks before the event. If the event is taking place within 30 days, the full balance is due upon signing.How far in advance should I book a keynote speaker?
It is generally advisable to book a keynote speaker as early as possible, especially if you have a specific speaker in mind or if your event is during a peak season holiday. Ideally, booking a speaker three to six months in advance can increase the chances of securing your desired speaker.Can you help me with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation?
Yes, we can assist you with the logistics and technical requirements for the speaker's presentation. We stay actively involved during pre-event planning to coordinate with you and ensure that the necessary audiovisual equipment, staging, lighting, and other technical aspects are in place for a successful presentation.Are there any special requirements or accommodations that need to be considered for the speaker?
Keynote speakers may have specific requirements or accommodations that need to be considered, such as travel arrangements, accommodation preferences, dietary restrictions, or accessibility needs. Some speakers have a performance rider we include in the contract, others have minimal requirements.Do keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations?
Yes, many keynote speakers offer customization options for their presentations. They can tailor their content, examples, or case studies to align with your event's theme, industry, or specific audience. Discuss your customization needs with us so we can guide you accordingly.Can the speaker participate in pre-event activities such as panel discussions or Q&A sessions?
Some keynote speakers are open to participating in pre-event activities such as panel discussions, Q&A sessions, or meet-and-greet sessions. Please share your specific requirements with us during the firm offer phase, so we can work on getting you everything you need.How long is a typical keynote speech?
The duration of a standard keynote speech can vary depending on the speaker and the event's schedule. Typically, keynote speeches range from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, including any Q&A sessions or interactive elements. Some speakers can accommodate half or full day sessions and extended keynotes. Discuss the desired duration with your representative to determine the appropriate length for participation.Can I provide feedback or reviews about the speaker's performance?
Yes, we encourage and appreciate feedback about the speaker's performance as well as our services. You can share your feedback via email after the event, or via our survey feedback form. Your feedback can help us improve our services and assist other clients in making informed decisions.Are there any discounts or special offers available for booking multiple speakers or multiple events?
Often, yes. It's worth inquiring about such possibilities with your Key Speakers representative to explore any available cost-savings options.Why book Dan Aykroyd through Key Speakers?
We provide a comprehensive service that takes the guesswork out of hiring a speaker — from speaker selection to logistics to post-event feedback. We know you have lots of responsibilities on top of finding and coordinating event speakers, so having a committed and proactive partner on your side that is an expert with the talent booking process is crucial. Every time you book a speaker with Key, your dedicated events manager will support you throughout the entire planning process. We help you negotiate contractual details such as speaker fees and travel terms so that you end up with the most favorable deal. With our highly communicative booking and proposal model, you'll never be left in the dark with the status of your speaker. To put it simply, Key Speakers is your one-stop resource for finding, booking and managing speakers for your event.
Speakers Like Dan Aykroyd
Jay Leno
Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist. Jay Leno’s late night television ratings domination included more than two decades of “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” winning every consecutive quarter of his hosting over the past 19 years. He has been honored by the Television Academy with an Emmy for “Outstanding Comedy, Variety or Music Series.” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” has also taken home the trophy for “Favorite Late Night Show” in the annual TV Guide Awards determined by voting viewers, and he was recently installed in the Television Academy’s Broadcast Hall of Fame.
Fee Range: $100,000–$225,000
Travels From: CA
Gary Sinise
For over thirty years, Gary Sinise has stood as an advocate of America’s servicemen and women. It began in the early 80’s with his support of Vietnam veterans and continued into the 90’s in support of the Disabled American Veterans organization raising awareness and support for our wounded service members. Since the attacks of 9/11, his dedication to all those who protect our nation has become a tireless crusade of service and gratitude. His portrayal of Lt. Dan Taylor in the landmark film Forrest Gump formed an enduring connection with servicemen and women throughout the military community.
Fee Range: $95,000–$188,000
Travels From: CA
Sugar Ray Leonard
Legendary sports icon, Olympic champion and Hall of Famer, philanthropist, bestselling author, television personality, ringside analyst and longtime face of Skechers’ popular Relaxed Fit collections, Sugar Ray Leonard has established a legacy that epitomizes boxing and invokes the reverence of a champion. Sugar Ray Leonard’s raw and uplifting memoir reveals in intimate detail for the first time the complex human who waged his own personal battle with depression, rage, addiction and greed, that lay behind the champion.
Fee Range: Inquire
Travels From: CA
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