Dana Carvey

Date of Birth: June 2, 1955

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Biography

Dana Carvey is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) from 1986 to 1993. He gained widespread fame for his characterizations of personalities such as the Church Lady, Garth Algar (from “Wayne’s World”), and various political figures including George H.W. Bush. Born and raised in Missoula, Montana, Carvey’s family moved to San Carlos, California, during his childhood. He graduated from Carlmont High School in Belmont, California, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications from San Francisco State University. After working in stand-up comedy and small television roles, he landed his breakthrough role on SNL, which earned him considerable acclaim and an Emmy Award. Carvey’s post-SNL career included starring roles in films like “Opportunity Knocks” and “Clean Slate,” but he is perhaps best known for reprising his role as Garth in the “Wayne’s World” movies. In addition to his film and television work, Carvey has continued to perform stand-up comedy, often incorporating his well-known impressions and characters.

5 Interesting Facts about Dana Carvey

1. Dana Carvey won an Emmy Award in 1993 for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program for his work on SNL.

2. He underwent heart bypass surgery in 1997, which led to a successful medical malpractice lawsuit after it was discovered the wrong artery had been operated on.

3. Carvey was the original choice to play both Garry Shandling’s role in “The Larry Sanders Show” and Mike Myers’ role in “Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery,” but he turned them down.

4. He co-created and starred in “The Dana Carvey Show,” a short-lived but influential sketch comedy show that aired in 1996 and featured a then-unknown Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell.

5. Dana Carvey has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he received in 1995.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Dana Carvey

1. “I think free speech is probably the coolest thing we have in this country, and again, you can say anything you want and very often, what you say is going to be idiotic, but you still get to say it.”

2. “You get over your first love by falling in love with something else.”

3. “I’ve been doing the George W. impersonation since 1995.”

4. “Life is too important to be taken seriously.”

5. “I used to do drugs. I still do, but I used to, too.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Dana Carvey’s highest net worth achieved is estimated to be around $20 million.

Children

Dana Carvey has two children, Dex and Thomas Carvey, with his wife Paula Zwagerman. Both sons have occasionally performed stand-up comedy and have appeared in some of their father’s projects.