Dan Aykroyd Calls SNL50 ‘Triumphant’ Despite Absence

Dan Aykroyd, an original cast member of 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), praised the show's 50th anniversary special as 'triumphant' despite not attending due to prior commitments. Watching from home, he congratulated longtime producer Lorne Michaels and expressed joy in seeing the events unfold on TV, stating, 'Look at daddy’s smile!' Aykroyd, who co-founded SNL in 1975, described the telecast as monumental as the next moon landing, highlighting the gathering of comedy stars under Michaels' direction. The anniversary special attracted 14.8 million viewers across Peacock and NBC. Notably absent alongside Aykroyd were Bill Hader, who had a scheduling conflict, and Dana Carvey, who was sick. The event featured appearances from many original cast members, including Chevy Chase and Jane Curtin.