Dan Aykroyd Rips ‘Medieval’ California While Gushing Over Peaceful Life in Canada

Dan Aykroyd is taking a nostalgic look at his Canadian roots, and he isn’t exactly holding back when it comes to life in California.

The Ghostbusters star, 74, recently found himself back in the spotlight after an older appearance on The Adam Carolla Show resurfaced, with Aykroyd reflecting on the striking differences between his life in Canada and his experiences in California.

For the comedian, the contrast comes down to something surprisingly simple: peace of mind.

“It’s great to be living in the western world,” he said during the conversation, before reflecting on his Canadian upbringing and the sense of security he associates with home.

The actor recalled a particularly memorable visit from a friend from Israel who stayed at his farm in Canada.

While the two were driving through the countryside to pick up ice cream, his friend asked him a question that stayed with him.

“Dan, what is it like to live in a land where there’s no war?” he recalled.

Aykroyd admitted that the question made him stop and think.

“Boy, do I take things for granted, you know, around this place,” he said.

The Blues Brothers star went on to describe Canada as a place where he could enjoy the simple pleasures of everyday life. But when the conversation turned toward California, his tone became considerably darker.

Aykroyd pointed to Santa Monica as one of the “pockets of the world that are at peace,” praising its beautiful homes, shops and “lovely wide boulevards.” But he quickly acknowledged the stark problems that exist alongside that picture-perfect image.

“So the underside and the overside will always, always be there,” he said.

“We’re living in frankly medieval times," he stated.

The Saturday Night Live alum explained that his concerns have even affected the way he lives day to day. He said he drives “very carefully,” avoids going out during late-night hours and lives behind gates.

“Bring my family close,” he said, adding that he would rather be able to let his family “run in the park at 1 in the morning.”

“But no. We have to be so guarded now," the Hollywood star continued.

The conversation also touched on California’s enormous wealth gap, with Adam Carolla pointing to the contrast between multimillion-dollar homes and people living on the streets.

Despite the criticism, the showbiz veteran appeared to hold out hope that wealthy residents could help make a difference.

“Thankfully, knowing people like that, they’re going to drive through their driveway, see that, and immediately start to act to try to alleviate and help in some way,” he said.

For Aykroyd, the conversation ultimately seemed less about simply bashing California and more about appreciating what he has back home.

In a 2018 interview with Canadian Living, he similarly described Canada as his “home and ultimate domicile,” while stressing that he also loves the United States and considers living and working in both countries “a distinct and valuable privilege.”