Dana Carvey may be one of the biggest stars in Saturday Night Live history, but in an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, he admits nothing is more important to him than his wife of 34 years, Paula Zwagerman, and their two sons, Dex and Thomas.

From Wayne’s World to Secret Life of Pets, Dana has balanced fame and family throughout his career. In the 90s, he took a hiatus from work that allowed him to spend more time with his wife and kids. “I thought my career at that point was going to be overwhelming, so [working less] was very important to me. I moved up to Northern California and did a lot of [corporate] stand-up. It allowed me to be a hands-on dad,” he tells Closer.

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Dana on SNL.

He tells Closer that he adores being a dad, adding that they have followed his footsteps as comedian-actors. “I just adore them and the way they think, and I love hanging out with them. My favorite thing in life is when I see them land a new joke and get excited. That’s so much fun to watch!” he gushes.

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“The best thing about family is that you have things you care about more than show business. You don’t take it that seriously once you have a wife and children,” Dana tells Closer. “I see them every day.”

Now, at 61, Dana says he just wants to have a good time. “I have plenty of fame and money, so now I just want to have fun!” he says.

For more on Dana, pick up the latest issue of Closer Weekly, on newsstands now!

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