Don Saroyan was an American actor and production worker born on October 4, 1928, in Omaha, Nebraska. Although he didn’t become as famous as his ex-wife, Carol Burnett, Saroyan still made an impact in the entertainment world. In this blog post, we will look at his early life, family, career, and personal life. Get ready to learn more about this intriguing actor!
Who Is Don Saroyan?
Don Saroyan was born on October 4, 1928 in Omaha, Nebraska. He dreamed of being a singer and actor from a young age. To pursue his passion, he attended the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). It was there that he met his future wife, the legendary comedienne Carol Burnett.
Saroyan began landing small acting roles in the late 1950s. His first TV appearance was as a salesman in a 1958 episode of the series “Decoy.” Over the years, he acted in movies like “Cuban Rebel Girls” (1959) and “Blast of Silence” (1961). He also appeared in shows like “Airwolf” in 1984.
In addition to acting, Don worked behind the scenes as a production coordinator. He worked on over 25 projects, including the popular sketch comedy show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” Even though he never became a major star, he was a hard-working entertainment industry professional.
Don Saroyan Early Life
Sadly, Don Saroyan’s early life was marked by loss. His brother passed away shortly after Don was born. When Don was still a baby, his mother also died. He was raised by his father, Harvey Saroyan, who owned a dry cleaning plant and a drive-through restaurant. Tragically, Harvey died as well when Don was in his late 20s.
Despite these painful losses, Don persevered and pursued his dreams. He studied at UCLA, which opened doors for him in the entertainment world. Meeting Carol Burnett there was also a major turning point in his personal life. Even though he faced struggles, his early life shaped him into a resilient person.
Family Details Of Don Saroyan
In 1955, Don Saroyan married Carol Burnett, who would go on to become a comedy icon. Sadly, their marriage faced many challenges. Don’s daughter from a previous marriage passed away, which took a heavy toll.
There was also a huge gap between Carol’s skyrocketing success and Don’s more modest acting career. The couple ended up divorcing amicably in 1962. They remained on good terms, and Don even contributed to a book about Carol’s life story.
After the divorce, Don continued working steadily in Hollywood. He passed away on November 24, 1990 in Los Angeles. He was 62 years old. Although his own career never reached the heights he dreamed of, he left behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and professionalism in the entertainment industry he loved.
Married Life of Don Saroyan
Don first met Carol Burnett in 1952 while they were both students at UCLA. The two fell in love and tied the knot on December 15, 1955.
However, their marriage faced some major challenges right from the start. Tragically, Don’s young daughter from a previous marriage passed away. There was also a growing gap between Don’s struggling career and Carol’s meteoric rise to stardom.
These issues put a serious strain on their relationship. After a separation in 1959, Don and Carol ultimately divorced in 1962. Despite the end of their marriage, the two remained on good terms in the years that followed.
Don Saroyan’s Acting Career
Don enrolled in a graduate studies program at UCLA to pursue his dream of working in entertainment. He kicked off his acting career in 1958 with a role as a salesman on the TV series “Decoy.”
Over the years, Don appeared in numerous television shows and movies. Some of his notable credits include parts in “Airwolf,” “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In,” “Cuban Rebel Girls,” and “Blast of Silence.”
In addition to acting, Don worked behind the scenes as a production coordinator. He contributed his talents to over 25 different projects throughout his career in this capacity.
While he may not have achieved the same level of fame as his ex-wife Carol, Don still made a significant impact in the world of entertainment. His hard work and dedication to his craft are an inspiration.
Major Achievements Of Don Saroyan
One of Don’s greatest achievements was his ability to maintain a positive relationship with Carol Burnett after their divorce. The two remained friends and he even contributed to a book about her life.
Another major accomplishment was his long and varied career in show business. From his early days as a graduate student at UCLA to his final years working behind the scenes, Don never lost his passion for entertainment.
He appeared in a wide range of television series and films over the years. At the same time, he made important contributions as a production coordinator on numerous projects. His versatility and commitment to excellence are truly admirable.
Conclusion
Don Saroyan may not have become as famous as his ex-wife, Carol Burnett, but he still made important contributions to the entertainment world. From his early dreams of acting and singing to his hard work in front of the camera and behind the scenes, Saroyan showed dedication and strength throughout his life.
Despite facing personal losses and challenges in Hollywood, he stayed true to his passion for entertainment. His ability to remain friends with Carol after their divorce shows his good character and the strength of their bond. Don Saroyan’s legacy is one of hard work and love for the arts, inspiring others in the industry today.
