Dan Aykroyd, one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL), was noticeably absent from the show’s 50th anniversary celebration. A source close to Aykroyd confirmed that he “could not come” to the event.
Despite his absence, iconic moments from Aykroyd’s early years on SNL will be featured in clips during the broadcast. The reason behind his absence remains unclear.
The special, which airs on February 16, features a star-studded lineup of both current and past cast members, including Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Eddie Murphy, and Maya Rudolph. Aykroyd’s absence is significant due to his role in the show’s early years, but he will still be represented through archival footage.
Former SNL cast member Bill Hader also declined the invitation to return for the anniversary event, citing unknown reasons. The 50th anniversary special will still be a major celebration of SNL’s legacy and will feature appearances from members of the “Five-Timers Club,” including Steve Martin, Tom Hanks, and Martin Short.
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/dan-aykroyd-absence-snl-50-102821652.html