Don Saroyan is known for being the first husband of actress Carol Burnett. Don himself dreamt of becoming a Broadway producer and a famous actor but couldn’t be quite successful. He still had some notable appearances on television and in the film industry.
This article will get into his personal life, professional career, incredible journey with Carol Burnett, and his passing.
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Quick Stats
| Full Name | Don Saroyan |
| Famous as | Carol Burnett’s Ex-husband |
| Age at the time of Death | 62 |
| Date Of Birth | 4 October 1928 |
| Date of Death | 24 November 1990 |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Place Of Birth | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Place of Death | Los Angeles, USA |
| Place of Burial | Holywood Hills |
| Spouse | Carol Burnett’s |
| Parents | Anna Saroyan, Harvey Saroyan |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | Actor |
| Nationality | American |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Net Worth | Not Known |
Early Life Of Don Saroyan
Don Saroyan was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on October 4, 1928, and had a life filled with triumphs and tragedies. Growing up in Omaha, he was the son of Anna and Harvey Saroyan.
His parents owned a dry cleaning plant and later expanded their business to include a drive-through restaurant. Unfortunately, Don experienced early loss when his brother passed away just a few months after his birth.
The tragedies continued as his mother also passed away not long after. Later, when Don was in his twenties, his father Harvey also passed away.
At 17, Don embarked on a new chapter when he married and moved to Philadelphia. The couple welcomed a child whom Don adored. However, their marriage eventually faltered when they relocated to Omaha. They got divorced. Don’s wife took their child away from him.
Determined to forge a new path, Don decided to make a fresh start in Los Angeles. Don enrolled at the University of California and discovered a passion for the theatre world. He found himself captivated by the magic of Broadway and aspired to become a director in this renowned realm of the performing arts.
Fate had something special in store for Don when he fell in love with a woman named Carol, and they remarried, providing him with newfound support and encouragement to pursue his dreams.
Don Saroyan’s Career
Don Saroyan’s career spanned various films and television shows in the 1960s and 1980s, leaving a notable imprint in the entertainment industry. He appeared in several films, including “Blast of Silence” and “Decoy.”
Additionally, he had guest roles in popular television series, such as “McHale’s Navy” and “The Fugitive.”
Don also took on behind-the-scenes roles, showcasing his versatility and skills in different aspects of production. He was credited as an associate producer in RCA’s “Opening Night.” He was also a production coordinator in the renowned show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.”
His involvement in these positions highlighted his multifaceted talent within the industry. Furthermore, Don Saroyan’s acting credits extended to television series as well. He portrayed characters like Dick in “The Magical World of Disney” and Joseph Scarelli in “Airwolf.”
These roles demonstrated his range as an actor, tackling diverse characters across different genres. Don also contributed to the film “Cuban Rebel Girls” sound department.
Don Saroyan left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, showcasing his talent and versatility in multiple facets of the field.
Don Saroyan’s Ex-Wife: Carol Burnett’s
Carol Burnett is an iconic entertainment figure known for her unparalleled talent and infectious humour. She was born on 26 April 1933 in San Antonio, Texas.
Her versatility as an actress, singer, and comedian captivated audiences. Her career took off in the 1960s when she starred in the hit variety show “The Carol Burnett Show.”
The show showcased her comedic brilliance and an incredible range of characters. Burnett’s ability to make people laugh and her genuine warmth and relatability endeared her to millions of fans worldwide.
Throughout her illustrious career, she received numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Tony Award.
Later, Burnett’s philanthropic endeavours and dedication to causes close to her heart solidified her as an inspiring role model.
With her infectious laughter and genuine talent, Carol Burnett has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and continues to be a beloved icon.
Start Of Don And Carol’s Relationship
Don and Burnett’s love story began during college when they forged a deep connection and fell madly in love. Their bond was evident to those around them, as they seemed like the epitome of a perfect couple.
One of the things that brought them together was their shared aspiration to conquer Broadway, a dream they both cherished dearly.
In 1955, against a momentous year for their careers, Don and Burnett exchanged heartfelt vows, filled with hope and promise for their future.
End of Don Saroyan’s Marriage
However, their marriage soon began to crumble under various challenges. Two significant factors emerged as major contributors to their eventual separation.
The first factor was the tragic loss of Don’s daughter from his previous marriage. The pain and grief accompanying this devastating event took a toll on their relationship. It strained their emotional connection and left scars that were difficult to heal.
Coping with such a profound loss tested their ability to support each other through the darkest times.
The second factor revolved around their diverging professional paths. While Burnett’s career soared to new heights, Don’s ambitions in the industry faced constant setbacks.
The stark contrast between their accomplishments created an imbalance in their dynamic, breeding resentment and insecurities. Don’s struggles to find success in his own right clashed with Burnett’s flourishing career, creating a rift that seemed impossible.
Despite the love they once shared, Don and Burnett found themselves caught in a storm of emotional turmoil, grief, and unfulfilled dreams. Their struggles were too heavy for their relationship to bear, ultimately leading to their separation.
Don Saroyan’s Step-daughters
Don had 3 stepdaughters, Carrie, Jody, and Erin Kate.
Carrie Hamilton
Carrie Louise Hamilton, the eldest daughter of Burnett and Joe Hamilton was born on December 5, 1963. While her mother became a television celebrity with “The Carol Burnett Show.”
Carrie didn’t watch the series much. She battled addiction during her teenage years, eventually getting sober. Despite their strained relationship, Carrie and Burnett reconciled and became close.
Carrie found success in music and acting, but her life was cut short when she passed away from cancer-related pneumonia in 2002. She was 38 years old. Burnett honored her daughter’s memory by continuing their collaborative play, “Hollywood Arms.”
Carrie’s presence has remained strong in Burnett’s life, with signs and reminders that keep their bond alive.
Jody Hamilton
Jody Hamilton, the second child of Burnett and Hamilton, was born in Los Angeles on January 18, 1967. During her parents’ divorce, Jody and her sister Erin were sent to live with friends in Hawaii to shield them from witnessing the dissolution of their marriage.
Jody became a film and TV producer, co-founding the independent film company Namethkuf. She produced a successful retrospective of her mother’s early career and has co-hosted the podcast “From The Bunker” since 2014. Jody resides in Los Angeles with her husband, musician and songwriter Lonny Paul Johnson.
Erin Kate Hamilton
Erin Kate Hamilton, the youngest daughter of Burnett and Hamilton. She grew up in the presence of her superstar mother and fondly remembered visiting the set of her mom’s show as a child.
She pursued a music career, transitioning from jazz and blues bands to a solo career as a dance music artist. Despite struggles with addiction, Erin has found moments of recovery and resilience.
In 2020, Burnett and Miller sought legal guardianship of Erin’s son Dylan to provide support and stability. Reflecting on her role as a mother, Burnett expressed gratitude for the present and the joy she brought to people’s lives through laughter.
Death Of Don Saroyan
After making his mark in the entertainment industry, Don Saroyan’s on-screen appearances ended in 1986. His final works included roles in the TV series “The Magical World of Disney” and the film “Airwolf.”
However, tragedy struck when he passed away at 62, four years later, in Los Angeles County. His resting place became Hollywood Hills, where he was laid to rest.
The cause of his death remained undisclosed to the public, leaving a shroud of mystery surrounding his final days. Moreover, little information was available about Don’s personal life following his separation from Carol Burnett.
