Dana Carvey (born June 2, 1955) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, podcaster, screenwriter, and producer. He is best known for his seven seasons on Saturday Night Live (1986-1993), earning five consecutive Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Carvey returned to the show in 2024 to impersonate outgoing President Joe Biden and Elon Musk.
His notable film roles include Tough Guys (1986), Opportunity Knocks (1990), Trapped in Paradise (1994), The Master of Disguise (2002), and his role as Garth Algar in Wayne’s World (1992) and its sequel.
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Table of Contents
Dana Carvey Net Worth
Dana Carvey has a net worth of $20 million. In 1999, he reportedly paid $3.75 million for a property in Ross, Marin County, California. Adjusted for inflation, this is nearly $6 million today. The property, designed by architect Gardiner Dailey and landscape artist Thomas Church,’s purchase details remain unclear.
Real estate records show it was sold in 1983 for $800,000 and again in 2003 for $5.4 million, but Carvey’s name doesn’t appear on the ownership records, suggesting he may have bought it through a trust.
Early life
Dana Carvey was born in Missoula, Montana, the fourth of five children to Billie Dahl, a schoolteacher, and William John (Bud) Carvey, a high school business teacher. He has Irish ancestry and is the brother of Brad Carvey, engineer of the Video Toaster, with the character Garth Algar loosely based on Brad.
Raised Lutheran, Carvey moved to Anderson, California in 1957 and later to San Carlos, California. He attended Tierra Linda Junior High, Carlmont High School, College of San Mateo, and earned his degree from San Francisco State University. In 1977, he won the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition.
Career
Dana Carvey had a minor role in Halloween II (1981) and co-starred in the short-lived sitcom One of the Boys (1982), alongside Mickey Rooney, Nathan Lane, and Meg Ryan. In 1984, he appeared in This Is Spinal Tap as a mime, and in 1985, he was in the music video for Greg Kihn’s “Lucky.”
His big break came in 1986 in Tough Guys, alongside Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster. Carvey was also a finalist for the hosting role on Double Dare before joining Saturday Night Live.
Personal life
Dana Carvey met Paula Zwagerman while performing at The Other Cafe in San Francisco. They became engaged in 1981 and married in 1983, having two children. Their elder son, Dex, tragically died from an accidental drug overdose on November 15, 2023, at 32. In 1995, Carvey lived in the San Fernando Valley, and his parents relocated to Murrieta, California.
After undergoing heart bypass surgery in 1997, Carvey sued for damages following a surgical mistake, later donating the $7.5 million to charity. He currently resides in Mill Valley, California.
Did Dana Carvey have heart surgery?
Dana Carvey had heart surgery. In 1997, he experienced severe chest pain and was diagnosed with a blocked coronary artery. After three failed angioplasties, he underwent double bypass surgery, but the pain persisted.
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Conclusion
Dana Carvey’s journey from a stand-up comedian to a revered figure in comedy and acting demonstrates his exceptional talent and versatility. While he has achieved considerable financial success, his life decisions reflect a focus on family and personal well-being over fame. Carvey’s story is a compelling narrative of balancing professional acclaim with personal values.
FAQs about Dana Carvey’s Net Worth
- What is Dana Carvey’s net worth? – Dana Carvey’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
- How did Dana Carvey achieve fame? – He gained fame through his work on “Saturday Night Live” and movies like “Wayne’s World.”
- Why did Dana Carvey step back from Hollywood? – He stepped back to focus on raising his family, prioritizing personal life over his career.
- What significant health issue did Carvey face? – He underwent a double bypass surgery in 1997 due to a blocked coronary artery.
- Is Dana Carvey still active in comedy? – Yes, he currently hosts the podcast “Fantastic! with Dana Carvey” and co-hosts “Fly on the Wall” with David Spade.
