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Dan Aykroyd, the renowned actor and comedian, recently shared an astonishing experience in which he survived a 50-foot fall, leading him to believe that a divine power protected him.
The 73-year-old star hosts the History Channel’s intriguing series “The UnBelievable,” which explores bizarre yet true narratives from history. Aykroyd’s own extraordinary episode adds a personal touch to his role, reflecting on the surreal nature of his experiences.
A Chasing Incident Turns Dangerous
Recounting the harrowing moment, Aykroyd told Fox News Digital, “I survived a 50-foot fall. There’s a video — there must be of it. But I was chasing Gilda Radner, a fellow ‘SNL’ alum. We were filming a kids’ show at CBC — the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Dressed in black raincoats and hats, we were playing spies. Surprisingly, I was running a fever of 104 degrees, but my commitment to work prevailed that day.”
He cautiously approached the industrial skylight, determining that rather than chasing Radner around it, he should take a short cut. “It looked durable enough to support me. So, I stepped on the bar that held the glass together, but it completely gave way,” Aykroyd lamented.
The fall was severe. “I fell 50 feet from the roof to the floor, bouncing off a light standard. The light rack helped break my fall, allowing me to land on my rear. To my astonishment, I walked into the ambulance afterward,” he recalled.
An Unforgettable Survival Story
Aykroyd takes pride in his survival tale, proudly declaring, “That is an unbelievable survival story to me. It’s one of my cat lives — it’s gone.” His quick recovery led to discussions about the possibility of a guardian angel watching over him during the incident.
Without hesitation, he responded, “No doubt.” Aykroyd firmly believes in divine intervention during critical moments and is fascinated by angelic encounters.
Aykroyd’s Beliefs in the Supernatural
As expected, the star from “Ghostbusters” is not a stranger to stories about the supernatural. Aykroyd believes his former California home may be haunted by the spirit of Mama Cass Elliot, a member of the iconic folk group, The Mamas and the Papas.
He shared with The Guardian that he purchased the property in the 1980s, where he and his wife, Donna Dixon, raised their three daughters. The home, which once provided refuge to legendary figures like Jimi Hendrix and John Lennon, holds a wealth of history.
Elliot passed away at the young age of 32 in 1974. Reflecting back, Aykroyd described the house as beautiful. “Beverly D’Angelo bought it from us. We had a few experiences in that house. The StairMaster would turn on when no one was around. People working in the house reported feeling a hand on their shoulder. My daughter Danielle saw a red-haired man with a little girl at the end of the hall near her bedroom. Another friend noticed a dark shadow moving across the stairs — Mama Cass-sized.”
The piano seemed alive as well. Aykroyd reminisced, “I remember lying in bed and hearing my watch and ring dancing on the table beside me. It was quite strange. And when we sold the house, we had to disclose unusual activities experienced in the home because that’s a question asked by real estate companies in North America. There were many residual energies in the house. Whether or not it was Mama Cass’s ghost, I cannot say for sure.”
Exploring the Realm of Mediumship
Aykroyd’s fascination with the supernatural also extends to psychics, although he started as a skeptic. He said, “I was not always convinced about mediumship. My family has a history with it, engaging in seances to connect with those who have passed on. I was uncertain until I visited a medium who channeled information that only I and the departed person knew.”
He encourages others to visit Lily Dale, New York, a well-known spot for psychic practices, where visitors can connect with genuine mediums who are thoroughly vetted. Aykroyd declared, “The results I experienced there, especially with my dad, were nothing short of spectacular. That experience changed my skepticism into belief.”
Reflecting on Friendship and Legacy
Beyond the supernatural, Aykroyd fondly remembers his time with friends, particularly his late partner, John Belushi, known for his work in “Blues Brothers.” Belushi tragically died from a drug overdose in 1982 at the young age of 33.
Acknowledging Belushi’s legacy, Aykroyd stated, “For his brief career, he was incredibly recognized as a master comedian, actor, and writer. His tragic death is lamentable, as many talented artists have succumbed to substance abuse. Today, he’s revered much like an Elvis figure, and his performances in ‘Animal House’ and ‘Blues Brothers’ have not lost their brilliance over time.”
He reflected on the ongoing struggle with substance abuse, particularly the rise of fentanyl: “It’s a serious issue. I support eradication efforts against drug trafficking, as long as innocent lives are not affected. Everyone should strive to steer clear of these dangerous substances. John’s legacy remains impactful, and it’s unfortunate he left us all too soon.”
Finding Joy in Simplicity
While Aykroyd remains captivated by extraordinary experiences, he finds solace in the mundane aspects of life as well. “I’m excellent at cleaning out drawers,” he said proudly. “I appreciate organization. Though I embody some chaos as a comedian, I also prefer simplicity in my life. If I were alone and single, I envision a humble life — perhaps with an old black Bluesmobile, a motorcycle, and a single color television, living modestly as a recluse. There’s something appealing about that lifestyle.”
