Dan Aykroyd Only Wants to Work With Superstars

[Retro4Life]

http://www.popeater.com/2010/12/13/d...lary-comments/

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.

[catlover79]

That just sounds totally arrogant. Even Oscar winners have been known to make independent films. No disrespect, but I've never heard of Mr. Aykroyd winning an Oscar.

[cocytus]

Originally Posted by Retro4Life

http://www.popeater.com/2010/12/13/d...lary-comments/

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.

I think Aykroyd has enough money to not make that statement career suicide. But he probably has offended a number of people who might have offered him roles in smaller budget productions that could have been hits.

And, rather foolishly, he has probably made it easier for him to be replaced by other comedic "stars" of his era (Chevy Chase comes to mind) that can provide the same level of humor and may be available at a discount.

Finally, he's going to feel like an a-s when/if G3 is made and it doesn't do that well.