Dan Akroyd’s daughter Belle Aykroyd appeared in her dad’s place at Eddie Murphy’s AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony more than a year after the actor skipped “SNL 50.”
“My father wanted to be here, planned to be here, wrote these remarks, and then life got in the way,” Belle said onstage at the event, which premiered on Netflix Sunday.
The theater performer, 32, then read a letter from the “Blues Brothers” star in his absence.
“Good evening, sir. We made a big hit classic movie together, man. A critical and financial success,” Belle read, referring to Murphy and Dan’s 1983 comedy “Trading Places.”
“‘Trading Places’ is now in the pantheon of Christmas movies, for Baby Jesus’ sake. It was a solid script with a great director, John Landis, plus talented and well-liked actors, but Eddie, it was you,” she continued.
“It was your power, brilliance, talent, skills, and vibrant charisma that propelled the movie into the realm of the greats.”
Belle concluded her father’s speech by reading his memorable quote to the “Beverly Hills Cop” actor’s character in “Trading Places.”
“Looking good, Billy Ray,” she read.
In February 2025, Dan skipped “SNL 50: The Anniversary Special” because he wanted to experience the milestone as a fan rather than as a working participant.
“I wanted to be at home and I wanted to watch the show beginning to end,” he told “Entertainment Weekly” at Comic-Con 2025 last July.
“I knew if I was there, I’d be in a dressing room, I’d be working. I wanted to see it live. I’m a fan of the show today, and I watch it all the time,” the “Conheads” star added.
“I love these new players; I think they’re just great. I just wanted to see and live nostalgically with my family in my own home, eating my own popcorn.”
Dan appeared on the hit NBC sketch comedy show for its first four seasons, from 1975 to 1979.
Several of his fellow original cast members were present for the anniversary special, including Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin.
