A few people were notably absent from Saturday Night Live's highly anticipated "SNL 50: The Anniversary Celebration" reunion show, including original cast member Dan Aykroyd.

Back in 1975 when the first “Saturday Night Live” was broadcast, I remember being at my aunt’s house in Framingham, Massachusetts and being amazed at the show. I was brought to tears watching Janis Ian singing “At Seventeen” and laughed out loud at the antics of George Carlin. Over the years, after going dancing (usually at The Sugar Shack, which catered to an under 21 crowd) I’d come home, put on my pjs and watch the end of “Saturday Night Live.” I’d watch videos of Mr. Bill and see what trouble he got into plus skits that included regulars Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Jane Curtin, Garrett Morris, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner. And to be honest, some of the skits hit the mark and some missed it. Over the years I’d only occasionally catch the show and now, with bedtime a lot earlier than when I was a teen, I can maybe stay up to see the opening monologue, which is on at 11:30 p.m. on (when else?) Saturday night. So on Sunday night I was eager to see “SNL50: The Anniversary Special.” I was excited to see the return of some of the best comedians that (in my opinion) comedy has ever produced – many of whom started at SNL: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig, Bill Murray and Eddie Murphy – to name just a few. I’ve never been a huge fan of the show’s musical guests though I did make sure to watch when the Foo Fighters and John Mayer were on. I did see some of Sunday’s performers (though I totally didn’t get the performance by Lil Wayne) and overall was glad I stuck around. There were a couple of different directions Sunday’s show could have explored: a retrospective of previous years’ skits highlighting the talents of its castmates or performing totally new skits. SNL50 chose to mix it up by incorporating some past favorites that included a new “Lawrence Welk” skit with Will Ferrell as Robert Goulet and the Maharelle Sisters (Ana Gasteyer, Kim Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson and Kristen Wiig’s Dooneese). On Sunday, a bunch of stars were showcased during a “question and answer” session with Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. The skit was a great opportunity to feature the many stars who made sure to attend the celebration. Though I thought Sunday’s show was a lot of fun it did remind me of the passage of time. Many of the stars have died, either due to self-inflicted injuries, disease or nefarious acts. As for me – some wrinkles have landed on my face and more than a few pounds have called my body “home.” But on Sunday I was a teenager again waiting for those words, “It’s Saturday Night!”

Everett Collection Original Saturday Night Live star Dan Aykroyd has addressed his notable absence from the star-studded SNL 50 anniversary event on Sunday, February 16. "Advantage of not attending – got to see every second of concert and show on TV,

A few people were notably absent from Saturday Night Live's highly anticipated "SNL 50: The Anniversary Celebration" reunion show, including original cast member Dan Aykroyd.

Live” cast member Dan Aykroyd did not make an appearance on the series’ 50th anniversary special on Sunday, but he nonetheless enjoyed watching it from home. “All Heads up toasting triumphant SNL 50th,

Dan Aykroyd has broken his silence about not appearing at “SNL50.” Aykroyd, one of the original stars of “Saturday Night Live,” was not in attendance for the show’s 50th anniversary special last weekend,

The Anniversary Special" after being the sole living "Saturday Night Live" original cast member to skip the event.

Dan Aykroyd was the only living member of the original "Saturday Night Live" cast who didn't attend the 50th anniversary show.

Saturday Night Live” alum Dan Aykroyd has some glowing words for his former boss Lorne Michaels and the late-night show’s glitzy 50th anniversary special that took place over the weekend. The actor, who is one of the original “SNL” cast members,

Fans noticed Dana Carvey and Dan Aykroyd were not in Studio 8H during the “Saturday Night Live” 50th anniversary special. Meanwhile, Steve Martin jokes that the show’s COVID “curse” is real.

Dan Aykroyd has broken his silence about not appearing at “SNL50.” Aykroyd, one of the original stars of “Saturday Night Live,” was not in attendance for the show’s 50th anniversary special last weekend,

Amid the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” fans noticed one notable alum not in attendance: Dan Aykroyd. The “Ghostbusters” star, who was part of the inaugural “ SNL ” cast, later acknowledged his absence and revealed its one “advantage.”