The news of the Canadian actor and comedian's passing was first announced by 'Saturday Night Live' in its latest episode that aired on Saturday, November 20.
- Nov 22, 2021
AceShowbiz - Peter Aykroyd, an Emmy-nominated writer and brother of Dan Aykroyd, has passed away. His death was first announced by "Saturday Night Live", where he was a writer and cast member, one day after his 66th birthday.
In its latest episode that aired Saturday, November 20 and was hosted by Simu Liu, the NBC variety series paid tribute to Peter by briefly showing a card revealing his death. It was displayed along with a picture of him from when he was a featured player on the show from 1979-1980.
Later in the night, the official Twitter account of "SNL" posted a video of an old short film called "Java Junkie" that Peter starred in. It ends with a title card similarly honoring the late actor/comedian.
No additional information about his death has been released as of now. His brother Dan has not publicly paid tribute to Peter either.
According to Deadline, Peter got his start into entertainment with minor roles in "The New Avengers" and "SCTV". Like his brother, he was a member of the famed Second City comedy troupe in Toronto before joining "SNL" for one season.
During his yearlong tenure at the show, he was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program, which he shared with several other writers. He left the show the year after his elder brother Dan departed from the show.
Along with his brother, Peter wrote the 1991 comedy horror film "Nothing But Trouble" which starred Chevy Chase, John Candy and Demi Moore. Dan, who also starred in the movie, got a Razzie Award for his performance in the flick.
Peter also had an affinity for the supernatural just like his brother, creating the Canadian series "PSI Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal". He did a voice on "The Blues Brothers: Animated Series", based on a musical sketch featuring his brother Dan and John Belushi. He took over the role of Elwood Blues along with Jim Belushi, who stepped in for his late brother John.
Peter also appeared in Dan's films including "Dragnet" and "Coneheads".
