Net Worth Ranker
What Is Dana Carvey’s Net Worth?
Dana Carvey, the multifaceted American actor and stand-up comedian, boasts a net worth of $20 million. This substantial financial standing is a testament to his successful career spanning several decades, marked by memorable performances on television, in film, and on stage.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on June 2, 1955, in Missoula, Montana, Dana Thomas Carvey’s early life provided a foundation for his future comedic pursuits. His family moved to San Carlos, California, when he was three years old. He grew up in a Lutheran household with four siblings. An interesting detail of his family history is that his brother Brad designed the Video Toaster, a sophisticated video editing and production software and hardware. Brad’s work also extended to visual effects for films such as “Men In Black” and “Black Hawk Down.” Dana later drew inspiration from his older brother Brad to create the character of Garth in “Wayne’s World.” Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Dana received a drum kit at a young age and honed his musical talents. During high school, he was a member of the Central Coast Section champion cross-country team, showcasing his athletic abilities. After high school, Carvey attended the College of San Mateo and later transferred to San Francisco State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in broadcast communications, formally preparing him for a career in the entertainment industry.
By 1977, Dana Carvey had already made a name for himself as a stand-up comedian, winning the San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy Competition. In the early 1980s, he transitioned to film, securing a minor role in “Halloween II.” He followed this with a more substantial role in the sitcom “One of the Boys” alongside Mickey Rooney, Nathan Lane, and Meg Ryan. In 1984, he landed a small role in the iconic film “This is Spinal Tap.” He also appeared in the TV series “Blue Thunder,” although the show was short-lived. In 1986, Carvey’s career gained significant momentum when he joined Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster in the cast of “Tough Guys,” establishing him as a recognizable face in the entertainment world.
While offered hosting roles for TV game shows, Dana Carvey chose to join “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) instead. His decision proved pivotal, as he became a key figure in revitalizing the show’s ratings. During his tenure on “Saturday Night Live,” he gained widespread recognition for his portrayals of various characters, including the “Church Lady” and Garth Algar, who later starred in the film “Wayne’s World.” He also became known for his impersonation of President George H.W. Bush, even performing it at the White House.
Career Highlights and Financial Impact
In 1992, Dana Carvey starred alongside Mike Myers in the film “Wayne’s World,” reprising his role as Garth in the 1993 sequel, “Wayne’s World 2.” As a new father, Carvey chose to prioritize his family, turning down hosting positions and a role in the film “Bad Boys.” In 1994, he starred in the film “Clean Slate.” In 1996, he led the short-lived “Dana Carvey Show,” which served as a launching pad for the careers of Steve Carell and Stephen Colbert. During this period, he also appeared in the movie “Little Nicky.” In 2002, Dana Carvey’s career faced a setback after he starred in “Master of Disguise,” which received unfavorable reviews. This led to a period of reduced public appearances until 2011 when he appeared in “Jack and Jill.” He then refocused on stand-up comedy and made occasional appearances in comedy sketch shows. Since 2022, he has co-hosted the podcast “Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey and David Spade,” marking a return to more regular public engagement.
The success of “Wayne’s World” and his work on “Saturday Night Live” significantly contributed to Dana Carvey’s net worth. While specific salary details from his SNL days are not publicly available, it is well-documented that key cast members on long-running shows can command substantial salaries and backend participation in successful film adaptations. The “Wayne’s World” franchise, in particular, was a box office hit, further bolstering his financial standing.
Real Estate and Personal Assets
In 1999, reports indicated that Dana Carvey spent $3.75 million on a property in Ross, a town in Marin County, Northern California. When adjusted for inflation, that sum is equivalent to nearly $6 million today. The property was designed with the contributions of architect Gardiner Dailey and landscape artist Thomas Church. It is unclear whether the purchase was finalized, as real estate records indicate that the property was sold in 1983 for $800,000 and again in 2003 for $5.4 million, without Dana Carvey’s name appearing on the ownership records. However, he may have made the purchase through a trust. In 1993, Dana and his wife acquired a home in Mill Valley, California, for $1.6 million. They still own this property, which is now estimated to be worth between $6 million and $7 million. In September 2024, they made the property available for rent at $17,000 per month. These real estate holdings represent a significant portion of Dana Carvey’s net worth, illustrating his investment in tangible assets.
Personal Life and Medical Challenges
Dana Carvey’s personal life has also seen significant milestones. In 1979, he married his childhood sweetheart, Leah. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1980, just one year later. He then became engaged to Paula Zwagerman, and they married in 1983. Together, Paula and Dana have two children. In 1997, Dana Carvey underwent heart bypass surgery to address a blocked coronary artery. Unfortunately, the initial procedure was not successful, as the surgeon mistakenly operated on the wrong artery. This led to ongoing health issues, and Carvey eventually filed a medical malpractice lawsuit, which he won, receiving $8 million in damages. He donated the settlement money to charity. He required additional procedures to address his heart problems. While he was hospitalized for his final angioplasty, Frank Sinatra passed away in the adjacent hospital room.
Current Ventures and Future Prospects
Dana Carvey continues to be an active presence in the entertainment industry, primarily through his stand-up comedy and his podcast “Fly on the Wall” with David Spade. These ventures contribute to his ongoing income stream and maintain his visibility in the comedy world. While his film career has had its ups and downs, his enduring popularity and continued engagement in various projects ensure that Dana Carvey’s net worth remains stable and reflects his long-standing contributions to comedy and entertainment.
Dana Carvey’s net worth of $20 million is a combination of earnings from his work on “Saturday Night Live,” the “Wayne’s World” films, stand-up comedy, and other television and film appearances. In addition to his income, his real estate holdings in California contribute to his overall net worth. Dana Carvey’s net worth stands as a testament to his enduring career in comedy and entertainment.
