Don Novello (born Donald Andrew Novello, January 1, 1943) is an American creative professional whose career spans writing, filmmaking, producing and performing. He has worked as a movie director and is known in entertainment circles as a multifaceted comedian. Novello is best known for developing and portraying the satirical priest Father Guido Sarducci, a character that became his signature persona.

Career highlights

Novello brought Father Guido Sarducci to a wide audience through television and live appearances. He was a performer and contributor on NBC's network program Saturday Night Live in two separate periods (1979–1980 and 1985–1986). On SNL he combined sketch performance with topical parody, and the Sarducci persona frequently appeared in sketches and interviews that poked fun at religion, celebrity culture and institutions.

Notable appearances

  • Guest spots on sitcoms and comedy series, including Married... with Children and Blossom.
  • Guest performances on shows such as It's Garry Shandling's Show, as well as roles on Unhappily Ever After and Square Pegs.
  • Later television appearances included interviews and sketches on programs like The Colbert Report, where the Sarducci character continued to surface in political and cultural satire.

Beyond television, Novello's work has included writing, producing and occasional film roles. His approach blends character-based comedy, deadpan delivery and sharp social observation. The Father Guido Sarducci character is often remembered for his costume and mannerisms and for delivering humorous takes on institutions such as the church, education and media.

Over several decades Novello has been an example of how a single memorable character can bridge formats—stage, television sketches and guest appearances—while allowing its creator to explore satire across different topics. He remains a recognizable figure in American comedy, particularly for audiences who followed late‑night sketch comedy and sitcoms in the 1980s and 1990s.

For a compact view of his credits and recurring roles, many databases and retrospective pieces list Novello's SNL contributions, recurring television guest spots and film credits. These sources also document the continued cultural presence of Father Guido Sarducci as a long-running comedic creation.