Yes, you’re right that they’ve been able to be more successful than Dana Carvey. However, Hollywood success is often as much marketability as anything else.
I admit that Dana Carvey is, at best, a supporting actor on a television show or movie. He needs somebody that he can work with, who has screen presence. You have no arguement from me on that.
He’s simply the better comedian of any other comedian that he worked with on SNL in his era. He’s a very talented comedian, but not the most marketable comedian.
Dana Carvey = Donald O’Connor
Yes!
Carvey had three serious heart surgeries in his 40s; plus he's been devoted to his role as a father to sons. No amount of fame is worth dying young and missing out of your kids' development.