Most wouldn’t categorize Dan Aykroyd as a legitimate athlete or even a sports personality, but during the actor’s recent visit to Saskatoon to endorse his new wine brand, Aykroyd agreed to answer some random sports related questions for The Sheaf.
Hundreds of Saskatonians lined up to meet Akyroyd at the University Heights Liquor Store on Sept. 14 and the Canadian star of such films as Ghostbusters, Coneheads and Blues Brothers autographed bottles of his Dan Aykroyd wine, as well as Crystal Head vodka and Patron tequila, both of which are products he imports to Canada.
However, upon Aykroyd’s flamboyant entrance he announced, “Writers autograph books for their fans, musicians autograph CDs. and when you’re in the liquor business like me — you sign liquor bottles.”
It’s was clear the Ottawa-born actor has sold his soul to corporate alcohol and the day was solely meant for Aykroyd to promote his edible ethanol.
When approached by The Sheaf about being interviewed specifically about sports, Aykroyd became squeamish and requested the questions to be emailed to him. Nevertheless, Aykroyd was a good sport in the end and eventually agreed to pose with the traditional Huskies green and white pom-poms and promptly replied to the sports-oriented questions.
The Sheaf: Growing up in Ottawa, what sports were you fond of? Did you excel in any?
Dan Aykroyd: I never really cared for sports at all. I played a little baseball when I was young.
Sheaf: I know acting has been your focus for many years but would you consider yourself an athlete?
Aykroyd: Well, I had to have some athletic skills in order to dance around a stage performing numerous Blues Brothers shows. Can still do most of the moves, except for the knee drops.
Sheaf: The Bluesmobile used in the Blues Brothers film has now been converted into the Chicago Blackhawksmobile. What was the signifigance of the 1974 Dodge Monaco in the movie?
Aykroyd: The Blues Brothers car could have been any retired police car. I chose the Dodge for its power and looks. Besides, the Blues Brothers car can go anywhere and do anything.
Sheaf: I heard you actually once drove it to a Chicago Blackhawks game in 2009. What’s the story there and what was the crowd’s response?
Aykroyd: We were in Chicago promoting and launching Crystal Head Vodka and the owner of the Hawks, Rocky Wirtz, is also the major liquor wholesaler/distributor for the Midwest. He also owns the Blues Brothers car. So at dinner he asked if I would like to drive it into the rink. The crowd cheered. They love the Blues Brothers in Chicago.
Sheaf: Are you a Chicago Blackhawks fan? If so, how did you celebrate after the Blackhawks recently won the Stanley Cup last spring?
Aykroyd: I am not a Blackhawks fan. As a matter of fact, I am a Montreal Canadiens fan. Kirk Muller, assistant coach, is a very good friend of mine. He is also my neighbour on my lake and summer home in Ontario.
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image: Robby Davis