Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1955-06-02
- Born Place: Missoula, Montana, USA
Dana Carvey
Dana Thomas Carvey is a legendary American stand-up comedian, actor, and impressionist best known for his transformative seven-season tenure on Saturday Night Live (1986–1993). Born on June 2, 1955, in Missoula, Montana, and raised in San Carlos, California, Carvey developed a knack for mimicry early in life, later earning a degree in broadcast communications from San Francisco State University. His professional breakthrough came when he joined the SNL cast, where he helped revitalize the show with iconic original characters like the sanctimonious Church Lady, the "pumped up" bodybuilder Hans, and the curmudgeonly Grumpy Old Man. He became equally famous for his sharp political satire, particularly his definitive impression of President George H.W. Bush, which popularized catchphrases like "not gonna do it" and "it wouldn't be prudent." Carvey successfully transitioned his sketch success to the big screen alongside Mike Myers in the cult classic Wayne's World (1992) and its sequel, portraying the lovable, socially awkward Garth Algar. While his other film ventures, such as Clean Slate (1994) and the experimental The Master of Disguise (2002), saw mixed results, he remained a powerhouse in the comedy world through his stand-up specials and voice acting roles, notably as the elderly Basset Hound Pops in The Secret Life of Pets franchise. Throughout his career, Carvey has received six Primetime Emmy nominations, winning in 1993 for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program. In recent years, Carvey has experienced a career resurgence as a digital pioneer and frequent guest performer. He co-hosts the popular podcast Fly on the Wall with fellow SNL alum David Spade, where they interview celebrities about the history of the legendary sketch show. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, he returned to the SNL stage in a recurring guest capacity to portray Joe Biden, further cementing his legacy as one of the show’s most versatile impressionists. Personally, he has been married to Paula Zwagerman since 1983; the family suffered a profound tragedy in late 2023 with the accidental death of their eldest son, Dex. Carvey has spoken openly about his grieving process, citing his return to comedy and his podcast as essential tools for healing.
