Belle Aykroyd fills in for Dan at Eddie Murphy AFI tribute

Belle Aykroyd appeared in her father’s place at Eddie Murphy’s AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony more than a year after he skipped “SNL 50.” The event premiered on Netflix Sunday. “My father wanted to be here, planned to be here, wrote these remarks, and then life got in the way,” Belle said onstage before reading a letter from him.

Reading her father’s words, she recalled their 1983 comedy Trading Places. “Good evening, sir. We made a big hit classic movie together, man. A critical and financial success,” she said, later quoting, “‘Trading Places’ is now in the pantheon of Christmas movies, for Baby Jesus’ sake…It was your power, brilliance, talent, skills, and vibrant charisma that propelled the movie into the realm of the greats.” She closed with Dan’s memorable line: “Looking good, Billy Ray.” It’s unclear why Dan, 73, was unable to attend in person.

Last February he skipped the “SNL 50” anniversary special because he wanted to experience the milestone as a fan rather than as a working participant.

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