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When people think of Carol Burnett, images of her iconic variety show, infectious laugh, and groundbreaking influence in television comedy usually come to mind. But not many know about the quieter figure who played a part in her early years—Don Saroyan. Before Carol Burnett became a household name, she was married to Don Saroyan, a man who remains relatively obscure in the world of entertainment. Their relationship was brief but impactful, shaping both their personal and professional lives in ways that often go unrecognized. In this article, we explore the untold truth about Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett’s marriage, giving Don Saroyan the attention he deserves in the pages of Hollywood’s history.
QUICK BIO
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Don Saroyan |
| Known For | Actor, Writer, and First Husband of Carol Burnett |
| Date of Birth | Unknown (Not publicly documented) |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Education | UCLA – Theater Arts |
| Marriage to Carol Burnett | 1955 – 1962 |
| Profession | Actor, Writer |
| Notable For | Supporting Carol Burnett in early career |
| Post-Divorce Life | Lived privately, limited public information |
| Date of Death | Not publicly known |
Who Was Don Saroyan?
Don Saroyan was not just Carol Burnett’s first husband—he was also a creative in his own right. Born in the United States, Saroyan was an actor and writer, though he never achieved the level of fame Burnett would go on to enjoy. He was known for being charming, intelligent, and supportive of Burnett during the early years of her career. Unlike the public-facing personas of many actors of his time, Saroyan kept a low profile. His career in entertainment was largely overshadowed by his wife’s meteoric rise, but his impact on her life cannot be underestimated.
Although there is limited public documentation on Don Saroyan’s body of work, those who knew him describe him as a sensitive and artistic soul who contributed quietly to the world of performance art. His marriage to Carol Burnett happened during a critical period in both of their lives—when dreams were still fragile, and fame was just a hope, not a certainty.
How Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett Met
Carol Burnett and Don Saroyan met during their time at UCLA, where both were enrolled in the theater arts program. Their bond grew quickly, rooted in a shared love for performance and storytelling. Burnett has often described her college years as pivotal, and her relationship with Don was one of the defining elements of that period.
The two connected through long rehearsals, shared goals, and countless hours spent discussing dreams of stardom. For young aspiring artists, being in love while chasing the same vision made their relationship incredibly intense and meaningful. Saroyan was one of the first people who fully believed in Carol Burnett’s talent, even before the world discovered her. That belief gave her the confidence she needed during her early, uncertain years.
Marriage: A Support System During Struggling Years
Carol Burnett and Don Saroyan married in 1955, shortly after their time at UCLA. The couple moved to New York City to pursue careers in theater and television. These were tough years financially and emotionally. Burnett worked odd jobs to support herself and Saroyan, who was also trying to find footing in the entertainment world.
During this time, the marriage was very much a partnership of survival. They lived in small apartments, often sharing meals of canned soup and dreaming of better days. Saroyan reportedly encouraged Burnett to pursue her acting and comedic ambitions, even when rejection letters and failed auditions piled up.
It was during this chapter of struggle that Burnett’s legendary perseverance was forged—and Don Saroyan was right there with her, helping her hold the pieces together. While their love would not last forever, their union during these tough times created a foundation for Burnett’s resilience in later years.
The Turning Point: Carol Burnett’s Breakthrough and Growing Fame
Everything changed for Carol Burnett when she got her first big break in the late 1950s with television roles, leading up to her eventual stardom on The Garry Moore Show and later The Carol Burnett Show. With this rising fame came increased pressure on her marriage to Don Saroyan. The couple, once united in their struggle, began to drift apart under the weight of success.
Don Saroyan, though proud of his wife’s accomplishments, found himself in the background—overshadowed and possibly overwhelmed by Burnett’s growing celebrity. Fame has a way of exposing the cracks in any relationship, and for the Saroyans, it revealed just how different their paths were becoming. While Carol was increasingly in the spotlight, Don seemed to fade from public attention.
Though Burnett never publicly disparaged her first husband, it’s been hinted in interviews that their goals and outlooks no longer aligned. What started as mutual support had become an imbalance—one that could no longer sustain a healthy marriage.
Divorce: A Quiet Goodbye
Carol Burnett and Don Saroyan divorced in 1962 after seven years of marriage. Unlike many high-profile breakups, their separation was relatively quiet and free of public scandal. There were no tabloid headlines, no bitter interviews, and no dramatic tell-alls. This was, perhaps, a reflection of the respect they still held for each other despite the dissolution of their marriage.
Burnett later married producer Joe Hamilton, with whom she had three daughters and a long-lasting professional collaboration. Meanwhile, Don Saroyan gradually disappeared from the public eye, his name mentioned primarily in connection with his famous ex-wife.
There’s something admirable about the way both handled the divorce—with dignity, privacy, and grace. Don Saroyan may have walked away from the marriage, but he never tried to exploit it for fame or financial gain. He faded into the background, allowing Burnett to shine, and perhaps, that was his final act of love.
Don Saroyan After the Divorce
Little is publicly known about Don Saroyan’s life post-divorce. He remained largely out of the limelight and focused on smaller acting and writing roles. It’s likely that he preferred a quieter, more introspective life. Not everyone is built for Hollywood’s glare, and Saroyan seemed to understand that his strengths lay elsewhere.
Some reports suggest that he continued to pursue creative endeavors, though none matched the notoriety of Burnett’s success. He never remarried or made headlines again, and his name is often mentioned only in the footnotes of Carol Burnett’s biography. Yet for those who look deeper, Don Saroyan’s influence remains a compelling subplot in the story of one of comedy’s greatest legends.
Carol Burnett’s Reflections on Don Saroyan
Over the years, Carol Burnett has rarely spoken in detail about her marriage to Don Saroyan. When she has, her tone has been respectful and kind. She acknowledges that he was an important part of her early years, both as a partner and as someone who believed in her before the fame.
In various interviews and memoirs, Burnett alludes to her first marriage as a learning experience—one that helped shape her both personally and professionally. There’s a sense of gratitude in her reflections, even if the love didn’t last. It’s clear that she holds no resentment toward Saroyan and appreciates the role he played during a time when she needed unwavering support.
A Forgotten Name, But Not a Forgotten Influence
In the grand narrative of show business, it’s easy to forget the names that don’t appear on marquees or award lists. Don Saroyan may not be a household name, but his presence in Carol Burnett’s life—during some of her most formative years—is worthy of recognition. He was there when the world wasn’t watching. He believed when no one else did.
Their marriage, though not eternal, was a catalyst in Burnett’s journey to stardom. Without Don Saroyan, the Carol Burnett we know today might have had a harder road. His contribution may have been quiet, but it was essential.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Don Saroyan’s Place in History
The story of Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett’s marriage isn’t a tale of scandal or betrayal. It’s a human story—of love, ambition, change, and eventually, peaceful separation. Don Saroyan deserves to be remembered not just as “Carol Burnett’s first husband,” but as a creative force who played an important, if understated, role in Hollywood history.
In a world that often forgets those in the background, this article aims to give Don Saroyan his due—because sometimes, the people who walk beside greatness in silence leave behind legacies of their own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Don Saroyan?
- Don Saroyan was an American actor and writer, best known for being the first husband of comedian and actress Carol Burnett. He played a supporting role in her early life and career.
2. How did Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett meet?
- They met at UCLA while studying theater arts. Their shared passion for performance helped them bond quickly and deeply.
3. Why did Carol Burnett and Don Saroyan divorce?
- As Burnett’s career skyrocketed, the couple grew apart. Their differing goals and the pressures of fame ultimately led to their separation in 1962.
4. Did Don Saroyan have a career in entertainment?
- Yes, although it was modest. He worked as an actor and writer but did not achieve the fame that Burnett did.
5. What happened to Don Saroyan after the divorce?
- He remained largely out of the public eye and lived a private life. His influence on Burnett’s early career, however, remains significant.
