Dana Carvey Thanks Supporters in Wake of Son’s Death, Takes Break from Acting

Dana Carvey is sharing his appreciation for the outpouring of support he’s received since announcing the sudden death of his 32-year-old son, Dex.

On Saturday, Carvey, 68, posted a message on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter) that began, “This is just to say thank you.”

He went on to express that he and his wife Paula Zwagerman have been “overwhelmed” by the love, compassion and personal stories that people have shared with them.

“We received so many beautiful messages from people who knew Dex. These touched us more than we could ever express in words,” he wrote, before revealing his decision to step away from work and social media while he and his family grieve their loss.

“I will be taking a break from work and social media — trying to figure out what life looks like now that we are a family of 3,” he wrote. “We will heal the best we can and carry on. Our darling Dex would have wanted it that way.”

Carvey — who also shares son Thomas, 30, with his wife — signed his message, “Much Love, Dana.”

The comedian and Zwagerman announced their son’s death on Instagram Thursday, revealing that Dex died from “an accidental drug overdose” on Wednesday.

“And when you were with him, you loved life too,” they continued. “He made everything fun. But most of all, he loved his family, his friends and his girlfriend, Kaylee. Dex was a beautiful person. His handmade birthday cards are a treasure. We will miss him forever.”

The couple concluded their message by acknowledging others out there impacted by addiction. “To anyone struggling with addiction or who loves someone struggling with addiction, you are in our hearts and prayers.”

Carvey followed up with two more posts about his son. Alongside a photo of Dex, he wrote, “F— the tabloids. This is my boy.” He also shared a snapshot of father and son teaming up on a project. “Dex and me working together. What a joy,” he reflected.

Several of Carvey’s friends and fellow comedians commented on the post including Jim Gaffigan, who wrote: “What a great picture. Love the focus you are putting on telling us about Dex. Such a lovely tribute to your boy.”

Kevin Nealon — who famously starred alongside Carvey in the 1980s Saturday Night Live sketch “Hans and Franz” — commented, “Love this picture, Dana. It tells so much. God bless you, Dex.”

Dex followed in his father’s footsteps by working in comedy and showbiz. He opened for Carvey’s 2016 Netflix special Straight White Male, and also appeared in 2015’s Joe Dirt 2: Beautiful Loser and the 2013 TV miniseries The Funster.

[via]