The Untold Story: 5 Surprising Details About Dan Aykroyd And Carrie Fisher's "Soaring Love" And Broken Engagement

Dan Aykroyd and Carrie Fisher’s romantic relationship remains one of Hollywood’s most fascinating and intensely brief celebrity romances, a whirlwind that began on the set of a legendary comedy and ended with a broken engagement, yet a lifelong, loving friendship. As of December 2025, their story continues to be a poignant example of two comedic geniuses whose lives were intertwined by fate, comedy, and a shared understanding of life's eccentricities.

Their connection was far more profound than a simple celebrity fling; it was a "soaring love," as Aykroyd himself described it, built on mutual respect and an immediate, intense attraction. From a life-saving moment during a film shoot to a proposal that included a diamond and a blood test, the details of their time together reveal a unique bond that transcended the conventional boundaries of romance and heartbreak.

Carrie Fisher: A Biographical Profile and Legacy

Carrie Frances Fisher was a force of nature—an actress, writer, and mental health advocate whose sharp wit and brutal honesty defined her public persona. Her life was marked by incredible highs, notably her iconic role as Princess Leia, and deeply personal struggles, which she bravely documented in her writing. Her connection with Dan Aykroyd is a significant, though often overlooked, chapter in her complex romantic history.

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• Full Name: Carrie Frances Fisher
• Born: October 21, 1956, in Burbank, California, U.S.
• Died: December 27, 2016, at age 60, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Parents: Debbie Reynolds (Actress/Singer) and Eddie Fisher (Singer)
• Key Roles: Princess Leia Organa in the *Star Wars* original and sequel trilogies, Marie in *When Harry Met Sally...*, and various roles in *Saturday Night Live*.
• Notable Works (Author): *Postcards from the Edge* (1987), *Wishful Drinking* (2008), *The Princess Diarist* (2016).
• Advocacy: A prominent and outspoken advocate for mental health awareness, openly discussing her struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction.
• Romantic History: Briefly engaged to Dan Aykroyd; married to musician Paul Simon (1983–1984); long-term relationship with talent agent Bryan Lourd, with whom she had her only child, Billie Lourd.

The Blues Brothers, A Near-Death Experience, and The Proposal

The story of Dan Aykroyd and Carrie Fisher’s engagement is inextricably linked to the production of the 1980 classic, *The Blues Brothers*. Their initial spark, however, ignited a couple of years earlier when Fisher hosted *Saturday Night Live* in November 1978.

Meeting on SNL and The Blues Brothers Set

Aykroyd, a founding member of the *Saturday Night Live* cast, and Fisher, a rising star following the first *Star Wars* film, immediately hit it off. The intensity of their connection grew when they collaborated on *The Blues Brothers*, where Fisher played the vengeful ex-fiancée of John Belushi’s character, Jake Blues.

Aykroyd, known for his eccentric and intellectual humor, found a perfect match in Fisher's quick, sardonic wit. They were often described as a complementary pair—the deadpan Canadian comedian and the Hollywood princess with a penchant for self-deprecating humor and honesty. Their working relationship quickly blossomed into a romance that captivated the cast and crew.

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The Life-Saving Heimlich Maneuver

One of the most dramatic and telling moments of their relationship occurred on the set of the film, an event that Aykroyd later described in his tribute. Fisher was eating a Brussels sprout when she began to choke. Without hesitation, Aykroyd performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her life.

This near-death experience served as a powerful catalyst for Aykroyd, who, already deeply in love, took the incident as a sign. He later recalled that saving her life made him realize the depth of his feelings and his desire to commit to her. It was a pivotal, life-affirming moment that cemented his decision to propose.

The Whirlwind Engagement: Rings and Blood Tests

Following the choking incident, Aykroyd proposed to Fisher. This was no ordinary Hollywood proposal; it was a serious commitment. Fisher herself confirmed the depth of their intent, stating, "We had rings, we got blood tests, the whole shot." They were fully prepared to marry.

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Aykroyd, ever the romantic, had given her a sapphire ring, and they had even purchased a house together—a sprawling property on Martha's Vineyard. The engagement was brief but intense, reflecting the passionate and impulsive nature of both stars.

Why The Engagement Ended and The Enduring Friendship

Despite the rings, the blood tests, and the shared house, the engagement between the *Ghostbusters* star and the *Star Wars* icon came to an abrupt end. The reason for the break-up was another significant figure in Fisher's life: musician Paul Simon.

The Return of Paul Simon

Fisher’s relationship with Paul Simon was famously tumultuous and complex. She had a long on-again, off-again history with the singer. While engaged to Aykroyd, Fisher sought advice from Simon, a move that quickly reignited their own complicated romance.

Fisher ultimately left Aykroyd to return to Simon, whom she later married in 1983 (the marriage lasted less than a year). Aykroyd bore no ill will, understanding that Fisher’s connection to Simon was a powerful, almost magnetic force she couldn't ignore. This maturity allowed their friendship to endure long after the romance faded.

A Lifelong, Unconventional Bond

The end of their engagement did not mean the end of their relationship. Instead, it evolved into a beautiful, supportive friendship that lasted until Fisher’s death in 2016. Aykroyd continued to hold Fisher in the highest regard, often speaking of her with profound love and respect.

Their enduring connection highlights a rare level of mutual admiration in Hollywood, a testament to their shared comedic spirit and intellectual compatibility. Aykroyd later married Donna Dixon, with whom he has three daughters, but his affection for Fisher remained a constant in his life.

Dan Aykroyd’s Touching Post-Mortem Tribute

Following Carrie Fisher’s untimely death in December 2016, Dan Aykroyd penned one of the most poignant and widely shared tributes, published in *Empire* magazine. His words offered a raw, loving, and deeply personal insight into the woman he nearly married and the friend he cherished.

Aykroyd referred to Fisher as a "one-off, broke-the-mould" former fiancée, praising her as "one of the most hilarious minds of our aeon." His essay was a masterclass in honoring a complicated, brilliant life, focusing on her humor, her elegance, and the emotional comfort she provided.

He fondly recalled their time together, including the house on Martha's Vineyard and his appreciation for her mother, the legendary Debbie Reynolds. Aykroyd's tribute solidified his place as one of the most important, supportive, and loving figures in Fisher's life, a man who truly understood her unique genius. The phrase "soaring love" became the definitive summary of their intense, brief, and unforgettable romance, a beautiful legacy for a relationship that was far too bright to last.