Dana Carvey’s son Dex died at the age of 32 after an accidental drug overdose
Dana Carvey announced that his son Dex died at the age of 32 due to an accidental drug overdose.
“Last night we experienced a terrible tragedy. Our beloved son, Dex, died of an accidental drug overdose. He was 32 years old.” Carvey, 68, wrote in a joint statement with his wife Paula Zwagerman through Instagram on Thursday, November 16. “Dex has put a lot into those 32 years. He was extremely talented in so many things – music, art, filmmaking, comedy – and pursued them passionately.
He continued, “It is no exaggeration to say that Dex loved life. And when you were with him, you loved life too. He made everything fun. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends and his girlfriend Kaylee.”
While sharing memories of his beloved son, Carvey said Dex would make “handmade birthday cards” for his loved ones who were a “sweetheart.”
Celebrity Deaths in 2023: Stars We’ve Lost
After losing beloved stars like Barbara Walters, Kirstie Alley, and Stephen “tWitch” Boss in the final days of 2022, the entertainment industry continued to grapple with losses in 2023. Hollywood suffered a devastating blow with three significant losses in April: Jerry Springer, Harry Belafonte and Dancing With the Stars judge Len Goodman all died […]
“We will miss him every day,” the comedian concluded. “To anyone struggling with addiction or who loves someone with addiction, you are in our hearts and prayers.”
Carvey posted a series of photos of Dex in subsequent posts. One featured a solo shot of Dex smiling. The second photo showed Carvey and his son working together and laughing.
“Dex and I working together,” he captioned the image. “What a pleasure.”
Some of Carvey’s former ones Saturday evening live costars took to the comments section to share their heartfelt condolences with the actor.
“What terrible news. I’m more sorry for your loss. ❤️❤️,” Chris Kattan replied, while the current cast member Kenan Thompson wrote: “Oh my God!!! I’m so sorry!!!! 🙏🏾❤️.”
Jim GaffiganMeanwhile, he expressed his condolences to Carvey and begged him to tell more about Dex.
“What a great photo. I love the focus you put on telling us about Dex,” he wrote. “What a beautiful tribute to your son. Please tell us more.”
Before his death, Dex followed in his father’s comic footsteps. He landed roles in the 2013 miniseries, The Funsterstarring Carvey and 2015’s Joe Dirt 2: Nice loser. In 2016, Dex opened for his father’s Netflix special Straight white man. He was also a founding member of Third Wheel Comedy, a live performance venue in Hollywood.
Four days before news of his death broke, Dex shared potential artwork for his upcoming project with B-Sides Comic.
“B-Sides comic over option,” he captioned the image via Instagram. “Featuring Gus, Sketch the Riff Rat, Kev @dexcarvey and Devin the Dude! @devindude420 Only on Kickstarter.”
In addition to Dex, Carvey and Zwagerman share son Thomas, born in 1994.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please reach out Substance abuse and mental health administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).