Dana Carvey is a name synonymous with Saturday Night Live (SNL) greatness, a master impressionist, and one of the most recognizable comedians of his generation. Known for his uncanny ability to mimic celebrities and create unforgettable characters, Carvey’s career spans decades, filled with hilarious moments that have left an indelible mark on both comedy and pop culture. But beyond his work on TV and film, there’s so much more to this versatile performer—his personal life, his family, and his financial success. Let’s dive into the fascinating life of Dana Carvey Net Worth, from his early years to his current achievements.
Quick Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Dana Thomas Carvey |
| Date of Birth | June 2, 1955 |
| Age | 70 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birth Place | Missoula, Montana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Comedian, Actor, Voice Actor |
| Famous For | Saturday Night Live, Wayne’s World |
| Hobbies | Guitar, Tennis, Family Time |
| Height | 5’7″ (170 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 160 lbs |
| Hair Color | Brown (with graying) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Not very active | |
| Marital Status | Married to Leah Carvey since 1983 |
| Children | Two (son and daughter) |
| Dana Carvey Net Worth | Approx. $20 million |
| Education | San Francisco State University |
Who Is Dana Carvey?
Dana Carvey is a stand-up superstar, actor, and impressionist best known for his work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the late ’80s and early ’90s. In addition to being a brilliant impressionist of such public figures as George H. W. Bush, Johnny Carson and Jimmy Carter — among his indelible characters were The Church Lady (Bless her heart!) and Wayne’s World sidekick Garth Algar — Carvey was also a masterful mimic. Carvey is widely known as an all-time great in comedy and pop culture, with credits that include stand-up, film, television and voice work.

Dana Carvey Net Worth: Wife, Age, and More
As of 2025, Dana Carvey net worth is estimated to be around $20 million. This considerable fortune comes from his extensive career in comedy and acting, which includes his long tenure on SNL, numerous successful film roles, voice acting credits, and live comedy shows. Despite stepping back from the spotlight in recent years, Carvey’s legacy has made him a highly respected figure in the entertainment world.
While Carvey has enjoyed a wealth of success throughout his career, much of his life outside of work has been spent in a supportive family environment. He’s been married to Leah Carvey since 1983, and together they have two children. Dana has often spoken about how important family life is to him, balancing his fame with a low-key and grounded personal life.
Early Life and Background
He was born Dana Carvey on June 2, 1955, in Missoula, Montana to a modest family. His father, William Carvey, was a high school teacher, and his mother, Shirley Carvey (née Marks), was a stay-at-home mom; she is also the author of The I Love to Cook Book. Raised in Montana, Carvey developed an early appreciation for comedy and performance that was cultivated by his family’s love of entertainment.
Little is known about his early education, but Carvey was a student at San Francisco State University before dropping out when he realized comedy was to be his life’s work. It was in college where he polished up his sense of humor, with regular performances at local clubs, honing in the comedic skills that made him a star. Then one day, Carvey made the difficult decision to abandon his university studies and pursue a stand-up comedy career-landing him on a collision course with destiny.
Personal Life
Dana Carvey’s personal life has been just as notable as his career, especially his long-lasting marriage to Leah Carvey. The couple married in 1983, and they have two children together—one son and one daughter. Despite Carvey’s fame, his family has remained relatively private. In interviews, Carvey has frequently spoken about how his family life is incredibly important to him, and he often makes sure that his personal life remains a low priority in the media.
Leah Carvey, his wife of over 40 years, has supported him through thick and thin, and it’s clear that their relationship has stood the test of time. While Dana’s career may have taken him across the globe, he’s always kept his focus on his family, citing them as his rock during times of both professional success and struggle.
Professional Life
Dana Carvey’s professional career took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1986. His impressions of public figures, especially his portrayal of George H. W. Bush, became an immediate hit with audiences. But Carvey didn’t just do impressions—he created and embodied unforgettable characters that became SNL staples. His most notable characters include:
- The Church Lady: A stern, judgmental churchgoer who would often ask, “Well, isn’t that special?”
- Garth Algar from Wayne’s World: The quirky, lovable sidekick to Mike Myers’ Wayne Campbell.
- Hans from Hans and Franz: A pair of bodybuilder characters who made fun of fitness culture.
Carvey’s comedy style is known for its blend of physical humor, sharp wit, and impeccable timing, all of which helped him carve a niche in both television and film. His role in Wayne’s World (1992), where he played the beloved Garth, earned him widespread recognition. The movie was a surprise hit and turned into a cult classic, leading to a sequel, Wayne’s World 2, in 1993.
While his time on SNL was the foundation of his career, Carvey also made notable appearances in movies such as “Clean Slate” (1994) and “The Master of Disguise” (2002), both of which further solidified his place in Hollywood. His ability to switch between characters and voices made him a sought-after talent in film and television, with memorable roles in various projects even after his SNL tenure.

Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 5’7” (170 cm), Dana Carvey is of average height, but his larger-than-life presence on screen and stage makes him seem much bigger. He has a lean build, weighing around 160 pounds, and his appearance has evolved over the years—he’s now graying but still has that signature charm and comedic energy.
Carvey’s look has always been integral to his characters. Whether it’s his meticulously crafted prosthetic face for characters like The Church Lady or the iconic long hair of Garth Algar, his physical appearance often plays a pivotal role in his comedy. His ability to transform physically for roles and impressions is a testament to his dedication to the craft.
Children
Dana Carvey is a proud father to two children—a son and a daughter. While he’s kept much of their lives private, it’s clear that they are important to him. Carvey has mentioned in various interviews how much he cherishes time with his family and how his children have kept him grounded throughout his career.
In a 2016 interview, Carvey spoke about how his perspective on life and comedy has shifted since becoming a father. He described parenthood as both challenging and fulfilling, emphasizing how his children have helped him stay humble and focused on what truly matters in life.
The Story of Success
Dana Carvey’s rise to fame was neither immediate nor without challenges. His big break came in 1986 when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live. It was here that Carvey’s career really took off, as his ability to do impressions of famous public figures became the heart of his comedic persona.
From there, Carvey’s career snowballed. His breakthrough character, The Church Lady, was an instant hit and became one of SNL’s most iconic characters. His portrayal of President George H. W. Bush also won him critical acclaim and helped solidify his place in the comedy pantheon.
Education
Though Dana Carvey did not finish his degree, he did attend San Francisco State University. It was there that he began performing stand-up comedy, which set the stage for his professional career. Carvey’s decision to leave college and pursue comedy full-time was a risky one, but it paid off when he moved to Los Angeles and began making a name for himself.
Final Word
Dana Carvey’s career has been marked by his ability to entertain, his unique sense of humor, and his lasting influence on both comedy and pop culture. From his groundbreaking work on SNL to his memorable roles in films like Wayne’s World, Carvey has carved out a legacy that continues to impact audiences today. As he enters his 70s, Carvey’s influence is undeniable, and his journey serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to break into comedy or simply pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.
FAQs
What is Dana Carvey net worth?
As of 2025, Dana Carvey’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
Who is Dana Carvey married to?
Dana Carvey has been married to Leah Carvey since 1983. They have two children together.
What is Dana Carvey best known for?
Dana Carvey is best known for his work on Saturday Night Live, where he performed iconic impressions and created legendary characters like The Church Lady and Garth Algar from Wayne’s World.
Does Dana Carvey have children?
Yes, Dana Carvey has two children—a son and a daughter. He is a proud father and has often spoken about the importance of his family.
