Everyone knows Carol Burnett — she’s a comedy legend, a Broadway star, and one of the most loved faces on TV. But not many people know about Don Saroyan, the man who stood beside her before the fame, when she was just starting out and chasing big dreams.
Don Saroyan was Carol Burnett’s first husband, her partner in love and ambition during her early years. Their story is one of young love, quiet heartbreak, and a life full of ups and downs. In this article, we’ll take a close look at who Don Saroyan really was, what happened to him, and how he helped shape Carol’s life — even if the world forgets his name.
Don Saroyan Quick Bio
| Full Name | Don Saroyan |
| Birth Date | October 4, 1928 |
| Birthplace | Omaha, Nebraska, USA |
| Death Date | November 24, 1990 |
| Age at Death | 62 years |
| Profession | Actor, TV production staff |
| Famous For | Carol Burnett’s ex-husband |
| Marriage | Carol Burnett (1955–1962) |
| Children | One daughter (from first marriage) |
| Ethnicity | Possibly Armenian |
| Last Known Work | Airwolf, Disney special (1986) |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
Who Was Don Saroyan?
Don Saroyan was an American actor and production staff worker who once dreamed of making it big in Hollywood. But most people know him today as Carol Burnett’s ex-husband — the man who supported her when she had nothing, and who quietly faded into the background as she rose to fame.
His life wasn’t flashy or loud. He wasn’t a star. But his story is special. It’s filled with love, struggle, loss, and kindness. And for many years, he stood quietly beside one of the brightest stars in entertainment.
Don Saroyan’s Early Life in Omaha
Don Saroyan was born on October 4, 1928, in Omaha, Nebraska. His childhood was filled with heartbreak. He lost his baby brother just a few months after he was born. Not long after, his mother passed away. And by the time Don was in his 20s, his father had also died.
That’s a lot of loss for someone so young. But Don didn’t give up. These early experiences shaped him. They made him quiet, strong, and sensitive. He learned to be gentle and kind, even when life was hard. That’s something people close to him always remembered.
The Tragic Losses That Marked His Youth
Losing so many family members early in life changed Don deeply. He didn’t have the big, loud family that many others grew up with. Instead, he learned to find strength in himself and in close friendships.
When you’ve been through so much pain, it can make you either shut down or grow stronger. Don chose to keep going. But you could still feel the sadness in his eyes — a kind of quiet that never really went away.
Don Saroyan’s First Marriage and Daughter
At just 18 years old, Don got married for the first time. He and his wife had a daughter, and he loved her very much. For a short while, it seemed like life was getting better.
But the marriage didn’t last. The couple separated and his wife moved back to Pennsylvania, taking their daughter with her. This was another heartbreaking moment for Don. He lost daily contact with his little girl, and years later, she sadly passed away.
That pain stayed with Don forever. It changed how he saw the world and made him even more private and soft-spoken.
Moving to LA, Don Saroyan’s Big Dreams Begin
After his divorce, Don moved to Los Angeles with big dreams. He wanted to become a singer or an actor. To chase those dreams, he joined a graduate theater program at UCLA — a well-known university for people who love the arts.
It was a fresh start. He was ready to work hard, meet people, and maybe find his place in show business. What he didn’t know was that this move would change his life forever — because at UCLA, he met Carol Burnett.
How Don Saroyan Met Carol Burnett
Don met Carol in 1952 through a mutual friend named Peggy McKenna. Right away, they clicked. Both were theater students. Both had gone through hard times. And both wanted to make it big in New York or Hollywood.
They spent a lot of time at a small deli called Village Delicatessen in Westwood. They would sit for hours, talking about acting, sharing their dreams, and helping each other believe it could all come true.
It wasn’t a flashy romance — it was real. Two struggling artists, holding hands across a diner table, talking about a better future. That’s where their love began.
Marriage to Carol Burnett, A Love Built on Dreams
In December 1955, Don and Carol got married. They were both full of hope and ready to take on the world. But there was one problem — they didn’t have money.
Then something amazing happened. A stranger, who believed in their dreams, gave them each $1,000 as an interest-free loan. His only request was that they pay him back in five years. That act of kindness changed their lives.
They used the money to leave UCLA and move to New York City, where they planned to try out for Broadway shows. It was a big leap — and they took it together.
Don Saroyan’s Career in TV and Film
Don didn’t become a big star, but he did work in TV and film. His first role was in 1958 on a show called Decoy, where he played a salesman. He later appeared in shows like The Fugitive, McHale’s Navy, and Airwolf. He also had a small part in The Magical World of Disney.
But Don’s real success was behind the scenes. He worked as a production coordinator on over 25 shows. He even helped with Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In, which was one of the biggest shows of its time.
He loved being part of the work, even if most people never knew his name.
Fame Changed Everything, Carol Burnett’s Rise
While Don was working hard behind the scenes, Carol Burnett’s career took off. She became a TV star, first with The Garry Moore Show, then later with her own hit — The Carol Burnett Show.
People loved Carol’s humor, charm, and talent. She quickly became one of America’s favorite entertainers. But with that fame came a new challenge: Don and Carol started living in two different worlds.
Carol was in the spotlight. Don was behind it. That gap between them kept getting wider.
Heartbreak and Divorce, What Went Wrong?
While Carol Burnett’s career was rising fast, Don Saroyan was quietly going through one of the hardest moments of his life. His daughter from his first marriage passed away, and it broke his heart. Losing a child is something no parent should ever face.
After that, Don changed. He became quiet and more withdrawn. His love for acting faded. His energy was different. He wasn’t the same man who once dreamed of Broadway with Carol by his side.
Carol, on the other hand, was in the middle of big TV success. She had to stay focused. The gap between them kept growing. They were once partners chasing the same dream. But now, they were walking different paths.
Life After Carol, What Happened to Don Saroyan?
Don and Carol separated on Christmas Day in 1959. There was no big fight. No drama. As Carol once said, they were simply “living parallel lives.” Their divorce became official in 1962, in Las Vegas. It was quiet and respectful.
After the divorce, Don didn’t try to stay in the spotlight. He never remarried. He didn’t talk badly about Carol. He just kept working, mostly behind the scenes in TV production. He stayed kind, stayed calm, and chose peace over fame.
Years later, when someone wrote a book about Carol’s life, Don gave a short interview. He shared a few kind stories. That showed he still cared — even after all those years.
Don Saroyan’s Death and Legacy
Don Saroyan passed away on November 24, 1990, in Los Angeles County, California. He was 62 years old. His cause of death was never shared with the public. There were no headlines, no TV reports. Just a quiet goodbye.
He was buried in Hollywood Hills, not far from the industry he once loved. Even though he wasn’t famous, he was part of Hollywood’s heart — one of the many who help build stories but never stand in the spotlight.
Don didn’t leave behind riches or awards. But he left behind a legacy of kindness, support, and love. He gave Carol Burnett strength when she needed it most. That matters.
Final Thoughts
So, what happened to Don Saroyan, Carol Burnett’s ex-husband? He lived a life full of love, pain, hard work, and quiet strength. He supported Carol when no one else did. He chased dreams with her. He helped her believe when she had nothing.
And when life took them in different directions, he didn’t fight or complain. He simply stepped back — with dignity.
Don Saroyan may not have been a star, but his story shines in a different way. He reminds us that sometimes, the people behind the scenes — the ones who don’t make headlines — are the ones who shape greatness.
He was a dreamer. A father. A loving husband. A kind soul.
And yes, he will always be remembered as Carol Burnett’s ex-husband — but he was so much more than that.
Let’s not forget him.
(FAQs)
How did Don Saroyan die?
No one knows for sure. His cause of death was never shared with the public.
Did Don Saroyan have a daughter?
Yes, he had one daughter from his first marriage. Sadly, she died later, and it broke his heart.
Was Don Saroyan Armenian?
Maybe. His last name sounds Armenian, but no one ever confirmed it.
What did his obituary say?
His obituary was short. It talked about his work and his marriage to Carol Burnett, but left out many personal things.
Where did Don Saroyan live before he died?
He lived quietly in Los Angeles. He stayed away from fame and lived a peaceful life.
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