Don Novello, the comedic genius behind the beloved character Father Guido Sarducci, celebrates his 80th birthday today. Simultaneously, the Sarducci character marks its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring appeal and Novello’s comedic brilliance.
Father Guido Sarducci, with his distinct persona, fascinated audiences. Novello’s portrayal extended beyond a simple priest; he embodied a Vatican figure, complete with a pronounced Italian accent reminiscent of vaudeville, a subtle air of shifty demeanor amplified by his trademark pornographic-esque mustache, tinted sunglasses, and ever-present cigarette. His combination of a padre hat and cape gave him the appearance of an important person and a gangster. This ambiguous nature hinted at a hidden level of corruption, which elevated the character from simple dialect humor to sharp social commentary. Novello initially introduced the character in San Francisco nightclubs in 1973. The character’s growing popularity eventually led to appearances on a David Steinberg special and The Smothers Brothers Show (1975 version). He subsequently joined Saturday Night Live as a writer in 1977 and began performing his Father Guido Sarducci segments on Weekend Update in 1978, where he remained until the cast changes in 1980.
Don Novello as Father Guido Sarducci
While Don Novello has taken on many roles outside of Father Guido Sarducci, the character has become his most recognizable persona, much like Jack Pearl’s Baron Munchausen or Harry Einstein’s Parkyakarkus. This led to numerous appearances as Father Guido Sarducci in various media, from late-night talk shows to MTV music videos, sitcom guest spots, and even Gilda Radner’s one-woman Broadway show.
Francis Ford Coppola consistently championed Novello’s talents, casting him in several of his films, including Tucker: A Man and His Dream (1988), the “Life Without Zoe” segment in New York Stories (1989), The Godfather Part III (1990), Jack (1996), and [Twixt](https://travsd.wordpress.com/2017/10/13/the-horror-of-francis-ford-coppola/) (2011). He was also in One Night Stand (1995) directed by Coppola’s sister, Talia Shire.
Beyond his on-screen performances, Don Novello is celebrated for his humor books, which feature prank letters written under the pseudonym “Lazlo Toth.” These letters, sent to politicians and public figures, cleverly voiced absurd complaints and often elicited hilarious, unintentional responses. He also co-wrote the unproduced screenplay Noble Rot with John Belushi, and served as a producer for one season (1982) on SCTV. His most recent IMDB credit dates back to 2015.
Don Novello’s diverse contributions to comedy, whether as Father Guido Sarducci or through his writing and production work, have solidified his place as a true comedic icon. His career is a testament to his creativity, wit, and ability to connect with audiences on multiple levels.
For more on variety history, including TV variety, please see No Applause, Just Throw Money: The Book That Made Vaudeville Famous.
