Dan Aykroyd is a shape-shifter. A true multi-hyphenate, he has been a Blues Brother, a Conehead, a Ghostbuster, and a Not Ready for Prime-Time Player. An entrepreneur, he co-owns the successful House of Blues restaurant chain. He's released blues albums, starred in a sitcom, and written, directed, produced, and/or acted in over 50 films. And as his classic Saturday Night Live character E. Buzz Miller, sleazy snake-oil salesman extraordinaire, would say, "But wait! There's more!"
Dan Aykroyd is a believer.
He believes in UFOs, ghosts, and other paranormal phenomena. He believes that there is life Out There. He has, he says, himself experienced paranormal incidents. And in his capacity as host of the syndicated series Psi Factor: Chronicles of the Paranormal, he has the opportunity to bring these shadowy events to light -- and to life.
Based on the files of the real-life Office of Scientific Investigation and Research (O.S.I.R.), a private paranormal research group based in California, Psi Factor is a dramatization of actual closed cases studied by the group. "The O.S.I.R. goes in with what is called the 'observer view,'" Aykroyd has said. "They don't go in believing, they don't go in not believing. They just go in to observe the events as they go down, to document them with videotape and audiotape, all kind of cameras -- thermographic imaging, infrared vision, if necessary -- and high-sensitivity microphones."
"They break it down and determine whether: a) is there a hoax going on here -- and many of our cases are hoaxes -- and b) is there a rational, physical reason why somebody reports a ghost, a UFO, a strange light, a strange vapor, a strange odor, is there a physical reason why -- or is there, in fact, an anomaly, an unsolved or mysterious reason why something is taking place? Its it really paranormal? Is it really supernatural?"
Aykroyd provides on-camera narration for each hour-long episode. The show is also something of a family affair: Aykroyd's brother Peter is an executive producer of the series. Fourth generation paranormal enthusiasts (the family's interest stretches back to Aykroyd's great grandfather, who was a member of the British Society of Psychic Research and a corespondent of Arthur Conan Doyle), Psi Factor gives Aykroyd a platform for interests only hinted at in his comic (and, well, cosmic) portrayals of Beldar Conehead of the planet Remulak, or Dr. Raymond Stantz of Ghostbusters fame.
"This is much more exciting to me than most of what I do," Aykroyd says. "We're dealing with elements of human experience that are really challenging. It looks to the essence of good and evil on the planet. It's more exciting than shooting a cereal box comedy."
PEOPLE Online: Hi everyone! I'm Marianne Goldstein, the editor of PEOPLE Online and I'm up waaay past my bedtime tonight :-) because I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet Dan Aykroyd He's been one of my favorite performers since he's been on SNL (and, might I add, my FIRST celebrity interview, many years ago! You all know Dan not only for his work as a Blues Brother and as a Ghostbuster, but also as a purveyor of the paranormal on the fascinating show Psi Factor Dan is the host of Psi Factor and not for nothing -- he's also got an interest in things paranormal I know I've got lots of questions for him about OSIR and how it operates. Dan, thanks very much for being here with us tonight. I understand that you'll also be making an announcement here a little bit later. Welcome!
Dan Aykroyd: Yes, we'll be announcing our first week's winner of the Psi Factor Watch & Win contest a little bit later.
PEOPLE Online: Cool. Let me kick things off: Dan, are you a believer in the paranormal? Why and for how long?
Dan Aykroyd: I am a believer since reading the American Journal of Psychic research and hearing stories from my parents about activities at the old family farmhouse.
amore66: What is O.S. I. R.?
Dan Aykroyd: Office Scientific Investigation and Research, Founded in the early 60's with funding from three large corporation to develop new products relating to science and applications of the paranormal in a commercial sense. In the years since, the group has evolved into a a rotating staff of about 300 different people with expertise in every discipline, from psychology, physics, biochemistry climatology. Anything to determine whether paranormal events are real, caused by nature or hoaxes.
Evan_Bonifant_Fan: Have you ever seen a ghost?
Dan Aykroyd: My love to Evan, who is my Blues Brother! I will see him in Las Vegas in March at the House of Blues opening! I have never seen a ghost, but I have seen unexplained lights of a supernatural nature in the haunted farmhouse where my ancestors lived and died.
amore66: What channel is Psi Factor on?
Dan Aykroyd: It's on different channels all over the country...its in syndication go to www.psifactor.com The TV stations that carry it are listed there.
StayPuftCG: Elwood's a harp player, as we all know...who were the most influential harp players for you, when you were learning, and who do you consider to be the 'god' of blues harmonica? (And does Elwood tongue-block or pucker to get single notes? ;)).
Dan Aykroyd: Buy these CDs: Little Walker, Juke Junior Wells, who was in the Blues Brother movie before his death James Cotten, Terry Bell Kim Wilson, Lee Oscar These are true great harp players. Plus of course, John Popper.
Aykroyd_Fan: From the Order of Dan Aykroyd Fan Club (http://dan.elwood.net/aykroyd/index.htm) Mr. Aykroyd, tell us a bit about your upcoming movies, Susan's Plan and Sundowning! =)
Dan Aykroyd: Susan's Plan: I play a bad guy. It's a fun film about normal people doing awful things to each other in LA. And Sundowning marks Kurt Douglas' return to motion picture work. He plays my father, an ex-boxer, who is hard to handle.
PEOPLE Online: Dan, I know you've been on the road quite a bit over the years. Ever go to Area 51?
Dan Aykroyd: Psi Factor has treated the alien subject matter with effectiveness and great dramatic power in my view, particularly the episode called "The Gray Men" in which Matt Prager was abducted. Area 51, Papoose Lake, Groom Lake, Highway 375 in Nevada, near Rachel, Is known as the E.T. Highway and recognized as such by the state of Nevada on their Dan Aykroyd: Dan Aykroyd: Don't try getting in my 4-wheel vehicle or light plane...you might not come back...
PEOPLE Online: Oh, sinister! Do you think the government is concealing information about Roswell?
Dan Aykroyd: The U.S. Government has never concealed interest in UFO's... The Airforce sponsored project Sign Grudge Blue Book and amassed thousands of files So there must be some material which they felt would panic the population and therefore various have chosen not to release many pieces of information.
PEOPLE Online: What can you tell me about Harry Houdini and the debunking of the psychic frauds?
Dan Aykroyd: Hey, Shredder! Let's answer Shredder's question first...1998 As to Houdini, He was a believer but like anyone truly serious... about psychic research, he was very concerned with charlatans who were hoaxers and exposed many There were many fake mediums who charged money and used mechanical tricks to deceive people who were attempting reach deceased ancestors.
raysoccult: Please Mr Aykroyd my entire life force is almost gone from my web page and I've been waiting years to be able to talk to u cause we have so much in common. Please deny or confirm GB3 even if it is top secret.
Dan Aykroyd: He (Houdini) believed that there were "Seers" like Mother Shipman who had a genuine gift Thank you! Harold and I are working on story points now for GB3 Dan Aykroyd: and expect to have a script to present to Sony in a few months.
BLONDIE_1988: HI, MR. AYKROYD. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO DO A SERIES LIKE PSI FACTOR?
Dan Aykroyd: Opening up this subject matter to discussion to controversy, inquiry, to skeptics and believers alike And as entertainment! Our shows are primarily great entertainment.
Elwood: Do you star in Psi factor??
Dan Aykroyd: I am the "Robert Stack" type host, but I love my cast. who are all great actors and have a wonderful feel for the dedication that real investigators apply to their work in this field.
SNL_Emmy: Were is PSI Factor filmed?
Dan Aykroyd:: At an abandoned brewery in Toronto we have our offices and some sets. And then all over south central Ontario. We have made Ontario into Russia, Africa, Argentina, Arkansas, Egypt, Bermuda England, France, and many other locations.
Dan38_special:: What was your favorite role?
Dan Aykroyd: One of them was playing Jack Webb in Dragnet.
demon_62002: Hey Dan, show some guts and comment on extraterrestrials in the White House.
Dan Aykroyd: One great story is that both President Truman and Eisenhower were informed of alien visitations and one of the events speaks of Eisenhower actually meeting an alien emissary out west Dan Aykroyd: in Nevada. Two presidents have gone on record publicly about their UFO sightings. Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan as serving governors of their respective states, both claimed to have seen flying discs that did not seem to be of earthly manufacture.
TheShredder_ : Dan, what was it like revisiting the SNL set with Steve Martin, reprising my favorite skit, "Wild and Crazy Guys?"
Dan Aykroyd: Shredder-- you must like to swing with happening American foxes! Visiting SNL is like going back to my old college campus. And Steve and I both enjoyed the appearance but both of us agreed that the clothes don't fit us anymore. Everyone stay with us, in ten minutes we'll be announcing the winner of this week's Watch & Win Contest!
PEOPLE Online: Great! Give me the high sign when you're ready to do that. . . In the meantime:
ilysmary: what is your personal experience with the supernatural, and do you , as houdini did, believer perhaps that some psychics or mediums are sincere
Dan Aykroyd: I have experienced, with my wife, a psychometric event in which objects began to move on our night table without us touching them. I have heard an audio phenomenon known as arcing, formerly referred to in the past as psychic knocking, I have had numerous telepathic events and premonitive dreams. However, everyone I'm sure, at some time or another has had the latter experiences. There are definitely sincere and genuine psychics in the field and many of them work actively with police agencies around the world to locate missing persons and solve crimes.
StayPuftCG : Loved your part in Antz, which was a spectacular movie. What was it like working on an animated film, especially with such a famous cast?
Dan Aykroyd: Lots of fun! And I would love to do more with DreamWorks.
PEOPLE Online: If you are just joining us, you are online chatting with Dan Aykroyd!
johncandy50 : Dan, back down to earth please. Are you still into motorcycles????????
Dan Aykroyd: Yes, I have 3 police pursuit motorcycles! Very fast. And very agile. One has sirens and lights, too. It's the House of Blues Bike.
birdhouse696969 : what happened on highway 371?
Dan Aykroyd: I believe that's Hwy 375... It's the Nevada state route on which the black mailbox is located. That being the marker to the entrance of the Groom Lake complex. Commonly referred to as "Area 51". Many people go there, have a beer at the Ale-Inn in Rachel. Then they watch the mountain for activity and lights they bring home of distant objects displaying unconventional flight characteristics.
bloonicorn : DO YOU RECOMMEND ANY BOOKS OR VIDEOS ON PSI FACTOR EITHER ABOUT ETS OR SUPERNATURAL
Dan Aykroyd: First, you should watch our show, Psi Factor. Local listings can be obtained at www.psifactor.com. Also check your local tv listings. And those interested in UFO's should subscribe to MUFON, Journal Based in Seguin, Texas.
Sheisasweetie : Dan Where is your most favorite get away spot in the world?
Dan Aykroyd: Riding my bike anywhere in North America.
Doorknob45 : I really enjoyed watching you in Soul Man on TV, will it be coming back or do you have a new show in the works?
Dan Aykroyd: Also, opening our new House of Blues in Las Vegas. I'm also working on feature films and writing.
krbshmschl_El_55345 : Who did you come up with the Idea on "Tobin's Spirt Guide"?
Dan Aykroyd: There are many writings and catalogues of different spirit and demonic entities throughout history from biblical times to the present. Tobin's was a condensing of this concept. The concept of spirit catalogue, based on many that already do exist. Hold the questions, don't go away, we're going to announce the winner of this week's Watch & Win contest!
PEOPLE Online: What does the winner get?
Dan Aykroyd: And the winner for the first week of the Psi Factor On-line contest is ... Judy Aronson of Yuba City, CA!
PEOPLE Online: (applause!)
Dan Aykroyd: Judy will receive a VHS copy and a signed script of last week's episode, "All Hallows Eve" and a years supply of Halloween candy from Nestle
PEOPLE Online: omigod, that's a lot of candy corn. Congratulations Judy!
Dan Aykroyd: She may choose either Butterfinger, my favorite Nestle's Crunch or my wife's favorite, Baby Ruth. Remember, we have three more weeks of prizes so find Psi Factor on your local TV station and log on to our web site, www.psifactor.com That was exciting! I have time to answer a few more of your questions.
PEOPLE Online: Dan, we have literally thousands of questions queued up -- can you handle a few more?
Dan Aykroyd: You betcha
PEOPLE Online: Duh. Here comes a question:
radiofriendlyunitshifter98 : Dan, you are a big fan of Blues and commented on the Drum Swing band on Late Night with Conan O'Brien. Do you have an extensive audio library of that type of music? And if so, who do you recommend?
Dan Aykroyd: Winonie Harris, Louis Jordan, Big Joe Turner and of course, today, Bryan Setzer's Orchestra
sambucco3 : Are any special guest stars going to be appearing soon in Psi Factor?
Dan Aykroyd: We just had Linda Blair on, star of The Exorcist. on our "All Hallow's Eve" episode. Fred Williamson... Maury Chaiken, who won a Nellie, Canada's Oscar, for his performance in the movie Whale Song. Also Graham Greene, the native Canadian actor from Dances with Wolves. For hardcore Sci-Fi fans, Harlan Ellison, will also be acting in an episode.
pittbull_007 : Did you personally pick out John Goodman for the blues movie?
Dan Aykroyd: Goodman and I both approached each other at the same time on this project. Get the soundtrack because he's great! The video, too.
TRegal : what are some of your favorite websites about the paranormal or just whatever?
Dan Aykroyd: Besides Psi Factor? Thanks, Nish. The MUFAN web site Whoops, www.MUFON.org
mark943 : i love the house of blues radio hour....who selects the cuts for the show?
Dan Aykroyd: Sometimes I do, sometimes my producer, Ben Manila, plus people give me CD's from their bands and I usually play every one. I have time for one more question, this has been great but it's getting late.
BelindaFlowers : pLEASE ASK DAN THIS QUESTION!!!! dO YOU BELIEVE THAT THERE IS OTHER LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS?
Dan Aykroyd: I believe that the vastness of the multiverse definitely enables one to expect that there would be planets hospitable to animated beings. As to where these UFO's and their occupants originate from, maybe they are us in the future coming back to improve their miserable physical makeup which has deteriorated over many generations due to their dependence on labor saving devices. Thank you all for joining me tonight.
PEOPLE Online: Thank you very much for joining us Dan -- doing this chat got me watching Psi Factor, and I really enjoy it. We wish you (and your talented cast) the best of luck with the show. And for all you out there who'd like to get a taste of the program, go to their website, www.psifactor.com. Thanks again, Dan -- this has been a pleasure. I hope you'll come back soon for another chat.
Dan Aykroyd: Thank you all, please keep watching because we need your support so the ratings will carry us into another season. Keep on believing in us and the unexplained. Go to Marfa, TX...west of Alpine, TX, and see a state certified paranormal mystery. Goodnight and thanks!
PEOPLE Online: This has been great -- thanks to you all for joining us tonight. The transcript will go up on our site, www.people.com, in a couple of days. Goodnight Dan, and goodnight to you all!