Dan Aykroyd’s daughter Belle Aykroyd appeared in her father’s place at Eddie Murphy’s AFI Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony, more than a year after Murphy was absent from SNL 50.
“My dad wanted to be here, he was going to be here, he wrote these statements, and then life got in the way,” Bell said on stage at the event, which premiered on Netflix on Sunday.
The theater performer, 32, then read a letter from the “Blues Brothers” star in his absence.
“Good evening, Doctor. Together we made a classic movie that was a huge hit. It was a critical and financial success,” Bell said, referring to Murphy and Dunn’s 1983 comedy “Trading Places.”
“Because of Baby Jesus, ‘Trading Places’ is now one of the best Christmas movies ever. It was a solid script with a great director, John Landis, and talented, popular actors, but Eddie, it was you,” she continued.
“It was your power, brilliance, talent, skill, and vibrant charisma that elevated this film into the realm of greatness.”
Bell concluded his father’s speech by reciting his father’s memorable words for the “Trading Places” character played by the “Beverly Hills Cop” actor.
“Looking good, Billy Ray,” she read.
It is unclear why Mr. Dunn, 73, was unable to attend the event in person, and Page Six did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Mr. Dunn’s representatives.
In February 2025, Dan was absent from “SNL 50: Anniversary Special.” This was because we wanted to experience the milestone as a fan rather than as an active participant.
“I wanted to stay home and watch the show from beginning to end,” he told Entertainment Weekly at Comic-Con 2025 last July.
“If I was there, I would have been backstage working. I wanted to see it live. I’m still a fan of the show and I watch it all the time,” the “Conheads” star added.
“I love these new players. I think they’re really great. I just wanted to be in my house with my family, eating my own popcorn and watching nostalgic.”
Dunn appeared on NBC’s popular sketch comedy show for its first four seasons from 1975 to 1979.
Several of his fellow original cast members, including Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin, attended the commemorative special.
