Don Saroyan: 6 Surprising Secrets from the Life Beyond Carol Burnett

In the golden age of American television and theatre, many celebrities captivated the hearts of fans not just for their performances, Don Saroyan but also for their personal lives. One such pair was Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett, whose brief but meaningful marriage often flies under the radar of public awareness. While Carol Burnett’s name remains iconic thanks to her groundbreaking variety show and acting legacy, Don Saroyan remains a more mysterious figure in entertainment history. This article explores the deep, lesser-known truths about Don Saroyan—his relationship with Carol Burnett, his contributions to the arts, and his life beyond the spotlight.

QUICK BIO

Field	Details
Full Name	Don Saroyan
Occupation	Actor, Writer
Known For	Marriage to Carol Burnett; work in theatre/TV
Date of Birth	Early 1920s (exact date unknown)
Place of Birth	United States (exact location not widely known)
Ethnicity	Armenian-American
Spouse	Carol Burnett (married 1955 – divorced 1962)
Children	None (with Carol Burnett)
Years Active	1950s–1970s (approximate)
Date of Death	1990
Notable Facts	Supported Burnett during her early career

Who Was Don Saroyan? The Man Behind the Scenes

Before diving into the marriage itself, it’s essential to understand who Don Saroyan was. Born in the early 1920s, Saroyan was a writer, actor, and part of the creative wave that fueled mid-20th century American theatre and television. While not as publicly celebrated as his then-wife, he was a passionate and dedicated professional. He worked as an actor and writer, often taking roles or assignments that put the art above the fame.

Don Saroyan’s Armenian heritage is another interesting part of his identity. Though not much is widely known about his early life, his last name indicates a potential connection to the well-known playwright William Saroyan, although no formal relation is confirmed. What is clear is that Don Saroyan had an artistic soul and a determination to make it in the world of performance arts. He would later cross paths with Carol Burnett in a setting that neither of them could have imagined would lead to marriage.

Carol Burnett’s Rise to Stardom

To understand the dynamics of their relationship, it helps to place it against the backdrop of Carol Burnett’s meteoric rise. Carol began her career in New York City in the late 1950s and quickly became a darling of both Broadway and television. Known for her comedic timing, expressive face, and ability to switch seamlessly between drama and comedy, Burnett quickly gained national attention with roles on The Garry Moore Show and later The Carol Burnett Show.

Despite her fame, Carol Burnett has always been a down-to-earth person with a genuine love for theatre and storytelling. It was during her early struggles in New York City that she met Don Saroyan, and they bonded over their shared love of acting and the stage.

How Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett Met

The story of Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett began in New York during the 1950s. Both were aspiring actors trying to find their place in a highly competitive environment. They met while studying at UCLA and remained close friends as they transitioned to New York in pursuit of bigger dreams. Their relationship grew out of friendship and mutual support in an environment where rejection and failure were common.

At that time, both were living on minimal income, often relying on creativity and resilience to keep moving forward. Saroyan was instrumental in encouraging Burnett to pursue her dreams, and it was during this phase of emotional and professional support that they decided to get married.

Their Marriage: A Union of Creativity and Struggles

Carol Burnett and Don Saroyan got married in 1955. At the time, neither was particularly famous, and they were essentially two struggling artists trying to survive in New York. According to Burnett’s own memoirs, Saroyan was a kind and supportive husband during the early days. He understood the challenges of show business, and the couple leaned on each other heavily.

However, as Burnett’s career began to take off, especially after her breakout performances in the early 1960s, cracks began to appear in their relationship. Fame is not always easy on relationships, especially when one partner’s success far outpaces the other’s. Saroyan found himself increasingly in the shadow of Carol’s rising star.

The Divorce: Why They Parted Ways

The couple eventually divorced in 1962. While neither Burnett nor Saroyan publicly aired grievances, many speculate that their separation stemmed from career pressures and growing apart emotionally. Burnett’s success brought with it a new world of demands, travel, and professional obligations that Saroyan may not have been entirely prepared for.

Carol Burnett has always spoken with kindness when referencing Don Saroyan. In interviews and autobiographies, she acknowledged that their relationship was born of a shared struggle and that it was genuine and loving, even though it ultimately did not last.

Some sources suggest that Saroyan may have struggled with the emotional burden of not achieving the same level of fame or recognition, and that this imbalance may have contributed to a slow erosion of their emotional connection.

What Happened to Don Saroyan After the Divorce?

After his marriage to Carol Burnett ended, Don Saroyan faded from the public eye. Unlike other ex-spouses of celebrities who often stay in the media spotlight, Saroyan took a more private path. He continued to work sporadically in theatre and television, though he never gained the kind of fame that his former wife enjoyed.

There are few public records about his later life, but it is believed that he maintained a connection to the arts, whether through writing, acting, or mentoring younger talents. He reportedly passed away in 1990, leaving behind a modest but meaningful legacy.

Why Don Saroyan Still Matters Today

You may ask why Don Saroyan deserves recognition today, especially when overshadowed by a towering figure like Carol Burnett. The answer lies in the role he played in shaping and supporting Burnett during some of the most formative years of her life and career. Many artists rise to greatness not only through talent but also through the emotional and logistical support of those closest to them.

Saroyan represents countless artists whose stories are rarely told—people who helped shape entertainment history from the sidelines. His quiet commitment to his craft and his early contributions to Burnett’s journey make him a figure worth remembering.

How Their Relationship Shaped Carol Burnett’s Future

Every meaningful relationship leaves a mark, and Don Saroyan’s marriage to Carol Burnett was no different. Their relationship, filled with mutual respect and shared dreams, laid the foundation for Burnett’s resilience and emotional depth. Some of Burnett’s most heartfelt performances may very well have been informed by the emotional complexity of that marriage.

Burnett went on to marry two more times and had three daughters, but she often referred back to her early years in New York with nostalgia and fondness. In this way, Saroyan’s influence remained part of her life’s narrative.

Lessons From Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett’s Relationship

Their story offers timeless lessons about love, ambition, and the costs of fame. Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett shared a genuine love that could not withstand the tides of fame and personal growth. Yet, rather than ending in bitterness, their story ended quietly, with mutual respect. It’s a reminder that not all love stories are meant to last forever—but that doesn’t make them any less valuable.

We often focus on the glitz of celebrity marriages, but stories like these, filled with authenticity, are perhaps more reflective of real life. Their relationship shows that love can be powerful even if it doesn’t last a lifetime, and that behind every successful person is often someone who once believed in them when the world did not.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who was Don Saroyan?

• Don Saroyan was a writer and actor known for his early marriage to Carol Burnett. He worked in theatre and television during the 1950s and 60s.
  

2. When did Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett get married?

• They married in 1955 when both were still struggling artists in New York City.
  

3. Why did Don Saroyan and Carol Burnett divorce?

• They divorced in 1962, reportedly due to career pressures, emotional distance, and the challenges brought by Burnett’s growing fame.
  

4. Did Don Saroyan continue working in entertainment after the divorce?

• Yes, though he maintained a low profile, he continued working in creative fields until his death in 1990.
  

5. Is Don Saroyan related to William Saroyan?

• There is no confirmed familial relationship between Don Saroyan and the famous playwright William Saroyan, although they share the same last name.