Age: 73
male
Daniel Edward Aykroyd, born in Ottawa, initially pursued studies in psychology, criminal sociology, and political science at Carleton University, where his comedy journey took off. He co-wrote sketches for a private cable company, igniting his passion for acting. At 20, he joined The Second City comedy troupe in Chicago and Toronto, marking the start of his career. In 1975, Aykroyd joined "Saturday Night Live" as a founding member of the "Not Ready For Prime Time Players," crafting iconic sketches like "The Blues Brothers" with Belushi and "Two Wild and Crazy Guys" with Steve Martin. The success of "The Blues Brothers" sketch led to a full-length feature in 1980, with Aykroyd writing and producing the movie soundtrack, defying the disco and punk era. His versatile talent shines in roles like Dr. Ray Stantz in "Ghostbusters," Jessica Tandy’s son in "Driving Miss Daisy," a single father in "My Girl," and an assassin in "Grosse Pointe Blank," showcasing both comedic and dramatic prowess.
Harry had only two loves in his life: magic and Bess. But despite all his efforts, his loved ones rarely got along ... One of the world's most famous illusionists and stuntmen was born in Budapest in 1874 as Erik Weisz, and a few years later he and his family boarded a steamer bound for the United States. He started performing at the age of nine, but at that time he devoted himself to a hanging bar and only as a teenager he switched to magic. Not to mention, his pseudonym is a tribute to the founder of modern magic named Jean-Eugene Robert-Houdin. But before he broke through with his new nickname, Harry Houdini subsisted on everything possible - including acting as a "wild man" at a fairground attraction on Coney Island. However, the real turning point came thanks to two coincidences: when he discovered his talent for escapist pieces and when he met his future wife, Bess. The American biographical film benefits not only from the fascinating story of the magician who often tried to die in his pieces, but also from the central acting duo. From his beginnings as a "wildman" carnival act to the internationally famous feat of escaping from a locked trunk in an ice-jammed river, the great Harry Houdini emerged as the world's most captivating magician and escape artist.
