Dan Aykroyd Only Wants to Work With Superstars

By Jett Wells Posted Dec 13th 2010 05:19PM

So THAT's why you never see Dan Aykroyd in small, independent films. In an interview with the AP, the 58-year old actor is blunt about getting the roles -- and paychecks -- he feels he deserves after putting so many years into the business.

"I will walk out the door for the paycheck I deserve and working with the superstars. Otherwise, I won't work as an actor," Aykroyd said. "I'm sorry. I don't have to, and why shouldn't I get what is commensurate with what my market will bear today?"

Still, the 'Christmas With the Cranks' actor knows he won't be getting bank-busting paychecks at this stage in his career, but that hasn't dulled his feelings of self-worth.

"It's not the salary I used to get, and I don't care if I play a supporting part. Fine. I'm reasonable," he said. "But I'm not going to work for nothing, and I'm not going to work for people who are unknown. I can't do it."

Aykroyd stuck to his word by working with big name Justin Timberlake in 'Yogi Bear' this time around, and the good times will continue once he revisits the role that launched him to International fame as Dr. Raymond Stantz in 'Ghosterbuster III' set to debut in 2012.

'Yogi Bear,' with Aykroyd as the voice of Yogi, hits theaters on Dec. 17.

Tags: dan aykroyd, yogi bear

Comments

(54)

Wednesday 15 December

By smackthegreat

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That's crazy. If someone is a huge fan or is a superstar and doesn't have an all star budget to work with, I don't see why dan should be so weird about it.

Like people are beneath him.

and that article is wrong, he can still bring in the checks.

Monday 13 December

By Barbara

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He's fortunate that he is in a position to be so choosy....

By Chris

He has earned his right to be choosy, he is an icon! At least hes telling the truth!

Tuesday 14 December

By BTDT

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I'm sure a lot of established actos feel this way.
Most have the good grace not to say so.

By Jill

Gee, Dan. Nice way to show what an a** you are in your old age! Just think of all the people who didn't want to work with you as an unknown and how that felt and now you perpetuate the same uptight attitude. And what big paychecks have you been getting lately? I haven't seen you in anything. Yogi Bear will flop. It was a weak cartoon back in the day and will be a monumental waste of time and money these days too. Just because people are bringing it out of the closet after 30+ years and putting your name and Justin Timberlake's name does not make it a good movie. Good luck with your life and maybe the only check you will get in the next few years will be a REALITY CHECK....you WERE good, and now.....what's your name??

By guinevere

guess his being so choosey is why you don't see many movies out that he's in

By enielsen

Dan who? He is a has-been. He stinks in all his movies and anyone he doesn't work with should feel blessed. Just like his body, his ego is over inflated. Actors like him will eventually grow too old to be so holy in the industry. The reason you don't see him often is because "HE'S YESTERDAYS NEWS". Just reading his reasons for his choices is enough to boycott him. He thinks he's worked hard and long. He doesn't have a cluse. Hollywood trash at it's best. Gat real Danny boy....you wish you were as good as you think you are.

By hamezaga69

I like his movies, but being picky like that is not a good attitude. If he chooses to be picky then he must be doing well with all other movies he has made and lived off of. I am speaking of residuals and whatnot, which still pay him for showing his movies etc…... and besides, some of the best movies out there, are with new actors or independent. If it’s about the money then it’s not about the love of art. I have seen movies that are independent that ware way better than the “SUPERSTAR” world of movies.

By fay

Wasn't he an unknown once??

By Dee

The only acting I've ever seen him do..is act a clown.

By Javadude54

He needs the big bucks to support his harem of alien ghost women.

By Denise

lol

By Nico Toscani

Yeah, I don't know why anybody would take what he says seriously. He's a total nutter, plus he's Canadian.

By joe

DAN WHO !!! SAID WHAT !!! YOU WERE NEVER RELEVENT AND YOUR STILL NOT.