Paula Zwagerman is the wife of comedian and actor Dana Carvey. They married on January 8, 1983, according to IMDb, and they have two sons, Dex and Thomas. Major outlets mention her mostly alongside her husband, and most of that coverage comes from the family’s loss in 2023.
If you searched for her age, job or net worth, reputable outlets have not reported any of them, though many websites claim otherwise without naming a source. Here is what is confirmed and what is still missing.
Who Is Paula Zwagerman?
Zwagerman is best known as Carvey’s wife. According to Wikipedia’s entry on Dana Carvey, he met her while performing at The Other Cafe in San Francisco, and the two became romantically involved. They got engaged in 1981 and married in 1983.
Carvey went on to spend seven seasons on Saturday Night Live from 1986 to 1993, and the same entry credits him with five consecutive Emmy nominations and one win. The couple’s first son, Dex, was born in 1991. Their younger son is Thomas.
Key Dates in the Carvey Marriage
- 1981: Carvey and Zwagerman get engaged.
- January 8, 1983: They marry.
- 1986 to 1993: Carvey works on Saturday Night Live.
- 1991: Their son Dex is born.
- November 15, 2023: Dex dies at age 32.
- November 16, 2023: The couple release a joint statement.
- January 2024: Carvey returns to a podcast and speaks about the loss.
As of 2026, the couple have been married for more than 43 years.
The Joint Statement After Dex Carvey’s Death
Carvey and Zwagerman announced the loss together. As the Los Angeles Times reported, they said Dex died of an accidental drug overdose and described him as talented in music, art, film making and comedy.
“Dex packed a lot into those 32 years.”
From the couple’s joint statement, as reported by the Los Angeles Times
The statement closed with support for anyone struggling with addiction and for the families who love them. The same report noted that both of the couple’s sons followed their father into comedy.
How people responded:
- Carvey said he was stepping away from work and social media. The Seattle Times reported that SNL cast member Colin Jost ended that Saturday’s show holding a sign that read, “We love you, Dana and Paula.”
- E! News reported that Zwagerman commented “Our beautiful boy” under a photo Carvey posted of Dex.
What Carvey Has Said Since
In January 2024, Carvey rejoined the Fly on the Wall podcast with David Spade. Rolling Stone quoted him saying, “It’s me and my wife and our son’s private journey.” He said the family hikes, goes to church and tries to keep moving, and that being back on the podcast would be healthy as he grieves.
Zwagerman was not quoted in those remarks.
What Is Confirmed and What Is Not Reported
Confirmed by reputable sources
- The marriage date and the 1981 engagement
- Where the couple met
- The names of their two sons
- Dex’s death and the couple’s joint statement
Not reported by reputable sources
- Her age and birthplace
- Her education and profession
- Any net worth figure
- Wedding venue or ceremony details
- Interview quotes attributed to her
Many pages in search results fill these gaps without citing anything. Before trusting a detail about her, check that the page names a publication or a public record.
Paula Zwagerman FAQ
How long have Paula Zwagerman and Dana Carvey been married?
Since January 8, 1983, which makes it more than 43 years as of 2026.
Where did Dana Carvey meet his wife?
At The Other Cafe in San Francisco, where Carvey was performing, according to Wikipedia.
Do they have children?
Yes, two sons, Dex and Thomas. Dex died in November 2023 at age 32.
What does Dana Carvey’s wife do for a living?
Reputable outlets have not reported her profession.
How old is she?
Reliable sources have not reported her age.
Is she also called Paula Carvey?
At least one local news report used that name, but the Los Angeles Times and other major outlets use Paula Zwagerman.
Where to Find Help
The family’s statement closed with support for people facing addiction. Anyone looking for treatment options can search the federal directory at findtreatment.gov, which is run by SAMHSA.
