Dan Aykroyd marked Bill Murray’s 76th birthday with a memorable story from the making of Ghostbusters II. The actor recalled how he and Murray once took two police motorcycles for an after-hours ride around a closed Central Park.
Aykroyd shared the story in a recent social media tribute to his long-time friend and Ghostbusters co-star. Along with throwback photos, he looked back on the many adventures the two comedians had shared throughout their careers.
The story offers another glimpse into the unusual atmosphere surrounding the production of Ghostbusters II, the 1989 sequel that reunited the original supernatural comedy team.
Dan Aykroyd Recalls the Ghostbusters II Motorcycle Ride
According to Aykroyd, the incident happened while the cast was filming Ghostbusters II in New York.
He said he and Murray took two fully equipped police motorcycles from the production’s motor pool. They then spent about an hour riding around a closed section of Central Park.
The motorcycles were reportedly running with their lights and sirens as the two actors chased each other around the area.
Aykroyd’s account suggested that the unusual adventure did not lead to any serious consequences. He ended the story with a playful reference to their characters and the Ghostbusters’ name.
The anecdote quickly attracted attention because it fits the famously unconventional comedy style associated with Aykroyd and Murray.
Aykroyd’s Birthday Tribute to Bill Murray
The motorcycle story was part of Aykroyd’s belated birthday message for Murray.
Aykroyd referred to his long-time collaborator as the “Murricane” and praised him as a major comedy leading man. The tribute also reflected the decades-long friendship between the two performers.
Their professional relationship dates back to the comedy scene of the 1970s. Both eventually became closely associated with Saturday Night Live before their work together in films helped establish one of comedy’s most recognisable partnerships.
Their most famous collaboration arrived with Ghostbusters in 1984.
How Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd Became Ghostbusters
The original Ghostbusters introduced Murray as Dr Peter Venkman and Aykroyd as Dr Ray Stantz.
Harold Ramis played Dr Egon Spengler, while Ernie Hudson portrayed Winston Zeddemore. Together, the four characters became the central team of the supernatural comedy franchise. Sony Pictures lists Aykroyd and Harold Ramis as the writers of the original 1984 film.
The movie follows a group of university researchers who establish a ghost-removal business after losing their academic funding. Their new company soon becomes involved in a supernatural crisis threatening New York City.
The film became a major part of popular culture, leading to additional movies, animated projects and other franchise extensions.
Ghostbusters II Reunited the Original Team
Five years after the first movie, Murray, Aykroyd, Ramis and Hudson returned for Ghostbusters II.
Released in 1989, the sequel again placed the Ghostbusters in Manhattan. This time, the team became involved with an ancient supernatural threat connected to a powerful painting and a strange underground river of slime.
That production is where Aykroyd says the motorcycle adventure with Murray took place.
The story is especially notable because it happened away from the movie’s scripted action. Instead of chasing ghosts for the cameras, the two stars were apparently creating their own late-night adventure between filming activities.
Murray and Aykroyd’s Ghostbusters Partnership Continued
The friendship between Murray and Aykroyd continued long after the original two Ghostbusters movies.
Both actors later returned to the franchise in Ghostbusters: Afterlife in 2021. They also appeared alongside other original cast members in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, released in 2024. Sony Pictures confirms that both Murray and Aykroyd were part of the original Ghostbusters cast appearing in Frozen Empire.
That continued involvement has helped connect the newer films with the original franchise.
For fans, Aykroyd’s latest story adds another personal chapter to a partnership that has lasted for decades.
Why the Ghostbusters II Story Stands Out
Behind-the-scenes stories can sometimes reveal as much about a movie’s production as the finished scenes.
In this case, Aykroyd’s recollection highlights the friendship and playful relationship between two actors who were already established comedy stars when Ghostbusters II was filmed.
It also provides a reminder of how much of the original Ghostbusters appeal came from the personalities of its performers. Murray’s Peter Venkman and Aykroyd’s Ray Stantz became central figures in a franchise that has continued across several generations.
Sony Pictures currently lists the original Ghostbusters, Ghostbusters II, Afterlife and Frozen Empire among the franchise’s official releases.
For long-time fans, Aykroyd’s birthday tribute is more than a simple message. It is another look back at the friendship behind one of Hollywood’s most recognisable comedy partnerships.