DAN AYKROYD

House of Blues Sunset Strip

West Hollywood, CA

May 10, 2001

Photo credit: Dan Aykroyd

While waiting for a concert to start, I was standing in the VIP lounge at the House of Blues telling some new people about My Celebrity Photo Album. One had just asked how I go about getting these pictures when two men passed us and walked into a private dining room behind me. I hadn't noticed.

Impressed, my friend interrupted, "And there he goes." "Who?" I asked. "The owner." Say no more. I know who owns this club. I got my camera and politely excused myself from the conversation to follow the award-winning actor, comedian, writer, producer, and business owner toward the private room. Dan Aykroyd was with a friend and, as the two guys set down their drinks and got situated, I strolled in behind them. We were crowded around a well-set table in this tiny roost with a fantastic view of the city lights. Mr. Aykroyd looked up at me. With a big smile, I said, "Hello" and asked, "Can you do me a favor?" "Okay," he said cautiously.

It was dark and I couldn't really see him but who could mistake the voice of Elwood Blues? I said, "Well, this is kinda weird, but I have this celebrity photo album." He groaned but I continued, "It's just a bunch of pictures of me, taken by celebrities. Will you take my picture?" The weight was lifted. "Oh. Sure," he said--relieved. I handed him my camera and said, "It can be anything I just have to be in it."

He backed up a little and, with the camera pressed to his face, said, “I’ll just get a good face and torso shot.” I smiled and he snapped the picture.

No longer unhappy that I followed them in, he looked me up and down as he handed the camera back. "What's your name?" he asked. "Rebecca," I said. He extended his hand and introduced himself, "Danny." We shook. “Where’d you come from tonight?” “Playa del Rey, but I am from San Luis Obispo.” “Oh, yeah, it’s nice up there.” He led us in some small talk and asked if I was looking forward to the show. "Heck yeah!" I said with a beaming grin, "It’s Run DMC."

I thanked him for the picture and started to walk out the door when he said, “I hope to see you again soon.” I smiled and went back to my group to confidently complete my earlier conversation, "And, that's pretty much how it happens," I said.

Goodnight everybody!