Dana Carvey had audiences cracking up at hisGeorge Bush impressionand his Church Lady character during seven seasons ofSaturday Night Live, and created unforgettable catchphrases withMike Myersin twoWayne’s Worldmovies. But at the peak of his career in the late ‘90s, Carvey stepped away to raise his two sons Dex and Thomas, now 28 and 26, respectively, with his wife since 1983, Paula Zwagerman.
So when his kids came along, Carvey didn’t hesitate to take a break from Hollywood.
Source: Saturday Night Live/YouTube
“My wife and I made two humans, so I thought I probably should make some adjustments based on the two humans being there,” the comedian says.
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Rex/Shutterstock; Sthanlee Mirador/Sipa
He’s since eased back into Hollywood with voice acting, most recently reprising his role as downer dog Pops inThe Secret Life of Pets 2. “It’s fun to be in a really good animated film franchise that has its own personality,” says Carvey, adding, “I turned downMadagascarand I turned downRatatouille. I was very, very busy raising kids at that time.”
The comedian voicesSecret Life of 2‘s Pops.Illumination Entertainment; Andrew Toth/Getty
Still, Carvey largely prefers podcasting and stand-up to on-camera work. “I don’t need to chase it,” he says. “I’m taking it as it comes and enjoying it.”
For more on Dana Carvey, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on stands Friday
Despite not being in the spotlight, Carvey came whenthe Oscarscalled earlier this year and reunited withMyers— who he still emails with — to present atthis year’s awards showin February.
“It’s all surreal,” the Primetime Emmy winner says. “Like, did I make a goofy movie with Mike Myers and people know about it 30 years later? Am I actually in show business? Is that my voice in the cartoon? It’s all completely surreal.”
The Secret Life of Pets 2is out now.
source: people.com
