The 50th anniversary celebration of Saturday Night Live was a memorable event filled with iconic cast members reuniting to commemorate the milestone. Nevertheless, the noticeable absence of Dan Aykroyd has left fans questioning his nonattendance.
Here’s what you need to know about Aykroyd’s absence from the historic event.
Why Dan Aykroyd Was Absent from SNL’s 50th Anniversary
Dan Aykroyd’s absence from the 50th anniversary special of Saturday Night Live came as a surprise, considering his status as one of the show’s original cast members. A source indicated that he “could not come” to the event.
Despite his absence, fans can look forward to memorable clips of Aykroyd’s iconic moments from the early years of SNL during the broadcast. The specific reason for his nonattendance remains unspecified. His absence means that the reunion of the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” will be incomplete, disappointing fans who were eager for a full reunion.
The special is set to air on February 16 and promises to be star-studded, featuring appearances by current and past cast members, including notable names such as Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Maya Rudolph.
Aykroyd’s omission is particularly significant given his key role in the show’s inception in 1975. Along with Aykroyd, former cast member Bill Hader also declined the invitation to participate in the anniversary celebration. Hader, who was a vital part of SNL from 2006 to 2013, has been absent from recent episodes.
Even in the absence of Aykroyd and Hader, the 50th anniversary special is poised to celebrate SNL’s enduring legacy, featuring appearances from members of the “Five-Timers Club,” including luminaries such as Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Martin Short, among other celebrities.
