Dan Aykroyd, 74, Reveals Transcripts from His Great-Grandfather Séances, Says He Was ‘the Original Ghostbuster’

**Dan Aykroyd Remembers Family’s Rich Connection to Spiritualism**

Dan Aykroyd has recently taken to social media to enlighten his followers about his family’s fascinating history with spiritualism. The acclaimed actor, now 74 years old, shared insights into his great-grandfather, Dr. Sam Aykroyd, whom he affectionately referred to as “the original Ghostbuster.”

In a series of Instagram posts dated October 21, Aykroyd unveiled pages from his great-grandfather’s séance transcripts, which shed light on the spiritual work undertaken in their family’s past. Accompanying these historic documents, Aykroyd explained how his ancestor’s dedication to the paranormal has indelibly influenced his own interests in the field. “These are my great-grandfather Dr. Sam Aykroyd’s transcripts from the séances he hosted in the Old Farmhouse,” he wrote. “It was the spirit of his work that has been passed down through generations.”

The actor’s connection to the world of spiritualism has been a deep-seated influence since his childhood. Aykroyd spoke about this background during an interview with Yahoo Entertainment back in 2020. He reminisced about his grandfather, who originally worked as a teacher before becoming a dentist. His grandfather’s practice incorporated hypnosis to ease his patients’ anxiety, which later transitioned into his participation in séances. These experiences were meticulously documented in the records that have now reached Aykroyd.

“Most households in Canada would likely stock Look magazine or National Geographic, but in mine, it was the American Society for Psychical Research magazines, Fate magazine, and British Society for Psychical Research,” Aykroyd recalled. “I grew up surrounded by these publications that focused on the paranormal. It was an unavoidable part of my upbringing.”

Aykroyd’s encounter with spiritualism has proven meaningful during his experience of loss. In a separate interview with CBC, he narrated an instance involving his late friend, comedian John Belushi. After Belushi’s untimely passing, Aykroyd sought the assistance of a medium to help facilitate communication with his departed friend.

The actor recounted a poignant moment when the medium conveyed a message referencing “Nunya,” a term that seemed unfamiliar to him. Aykroyd later reached out to Jim Belushi, John’s brother, who revealed that “Nunya” was a nickname John had used for their grandmother. “John spoke through his medium to me, to make sure that I knew that he’d gone across,” Aykroyd reflected, highlighting how spiritualism brought comfort during a painful period.

This unshakeable bond to spiritualism not only underpins Aykroyd’s personal life but has also seeped into his professional endeavours. The Ghostbusters franchise, for which Aykroyd is renowned, draws heavily from themes of the supernatural. Through this lens, he has been able to channel his passion for the unexplained into commercially successful and culturally significant film productions.

Aykroyd’s reflections on his family’s legacy reveal a profound respect for their lineage. The actor’s pride shines through as he acknowledges the tradition of spiritual inquiry that has existed in his family for generations. “He’s the original Ghostbuster,” he proudly stated, highlighting the seamless connection between his ancestors’ spiritual pursuits and his own cinematic creations.

As he continues to engage with his followers online, Aykroyd not only shares personal anecdotes but also educates viewers about the unpredictable intersections of life, death, and the spirit world. His celebratory recounting of his family’s history with spiritualism serves as a reminder of the profound influences that shape our identities and creative expressions.

Through his recent postings, Aykroyd not only reaffirms his commitment to this unique tradition but also invites others to explore the unexplained aspects of existence. Whether through film or personal experiences, it is clear that this exploration remains a vibrant thread in the fabric of Dan Aykroyd’s life and work.