Janet Sarno

Janet Sarno
Born
Janet Margaret Sarno

(1933-11-18)November 18, 1933
Bridgeport, Connecticut, U.S.
DiedMarch 15, 2023(2023-03-15) (aged 89)
New York, New York, U.S.
EducationCentral High School
New Haven State Teacher's College
Yale Drama School
OccupationActress
Years active1964–2022
Spouse(s)Michael Joseph Dontzin
(m. 1985; died 2012)

Janet Margaret Sarno (November 18, 1933 – March 15, 2023) was an American character actress of stage, film and television.

Early life and career

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 18, 1933, Sarno was the daughter of Margaret (née Daddona) and Italian-born hair stylist Francis "Frank" Sarno, longtime proprietor of Sarno's Beauty Salon. She attended Central High School, New Haven State Teacher's College, and, after teaching for several years at the Hallen Elementary School, Yale Drama School, where, in 1962, she earned her Master of Fine Arts degree, simultaneously winning the Mrs. W William E. Hill. Sr. Award for drama, issued annually to "the actress who best exemplifies the Yale Drama school, scholastically and in acting achievement".

Of her performance that year in the Yale Drama Society's production of Here Comes Santa Claus, playwright in residence Joel Oliansky's black comedy about the relationship between an aging, erstwhile horror movie icon and his son (the former clearly modeled on Bela Lugosi), New York Times critic Howard Taubman, while deeming the work as written uneven but intermittently hilarious, cites the beneficial effect of several "helpful performances", including those of the two leads and of a young Daniel Travanti, and, in particular, Sarno's turn as "a tough, though sensitive girl who does amusing broadcasts for teenagers".

Some of Sarno's more noteworthy Off-Broadway and regional theater credits include performances as Pirate Jenny in Brecht's Threepenny Opera, the stepdaughter in Pirandello's Six Characters in Search of an Author, Melba Snyder in Pal Joey, and, at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., Masha in Chekhov's Three Sisters and Sabina in Thornton Wilder's The Skin of Our Teeth. She played "the woman" in Paul Shyre's A Whitman Portrait, and an assortment of characters in the rock opera, The Survival of St. Joan. She starred as Alice in Play Strindberg, as Patsie in Momma's Little Angels by Paul La Russo II, and, in Jane Anderson's The Pink Studio, portrayed both Madame Bidet and Madame Joie.

Sarno's portrayal of Judith Fellowes in a 1989 revival of Tennessee Williams' Night of the Iguana proved one of the special pleasures of an otherwise "uneven" production for Montclair Times critic Naomi Siegel.

One more comment on the cast: Janet Sarno as Miss Judith Fellowes brings a wonderful touch of humor and self righteous buffoonery to her small role. This is what good character acting is all about.

In 2010, Sarno became the titular subject of Janet's Class, a feature-length documentary, which followed Sarno and her acting students, ranging in age from 50 to 92. The film was produced, directed and shot by actress Dorothy Lyman, who had made Sarno's previous film, Split Ends. Scored by Grammy-winning arranger Bill Cunliffe, the film had, as of December 2025, yet to find a commercial distributor, although it did have at least one public screening, in February 2011 at the Andes Hotel in the city of Andes in upstate New York,

Personal life and death

In 1960, Sarno was engaged, but evidently, never married, to Thomas John Morrison. From no later than 1985 until his death in 2012, she was, as noted in his New York Times funeral announcement, the "beloved wife" of New York State Supreme Court Justice Michael Joseph Dontzin, whose "other great passion was to serve as his wife's Stage Door Johnny, accompanying her to each of her theater performances".

On March 15, 2023, Sarno died at her home in New York City at age 89.

Works

Plays

Plays
Year Play Role Theater Notes
1964 Dylan Nancy; Reporter; Party Guest, Student; Servant Plymouth Theatre January 4, 1964 – September 12, 1964
1974 Equus Elizabeth Almond Plymouth Theatre
Helen Hayes Theatre		 Oct 24, 1974 - Sep 11, 1976
October 5, 1976 - October 2, 1977
1979 Knockout Gracie Helen Hayes Theatre May 6, 1979 – Sep 16, 1979
1996 The Apple Doesn't Fall... Madge Wellington Lyceum Theatre Apr 14, 1996 – Apr 14, 1996
2015 Fish in the Dark Understudy; Gloria Drexel (Replacement); Rose Kantner (Replacement) Cort Theatre Mar 5, 2015 – Aug 1, 2015

Film

Year Title Role Director Other cast members Notes Refs.
1970 The People Next Door Night Nurse (as Jan Sarno) David Greene Eli Wallach, Julie Harris, Deborah Winters
1971 Bananas Woman (uncredited) Woody Allen Woody Allen, Louise Lasser, Carlos Montalban
1971 The Hospital Nurse Rivers (uncredited) Arthur Hiller George C. Scott, Diana Rigg, Barnard Hughes
1972 Across 110th Street Therese D'Salvio Barry Shear Anthony Quinn, Yaphet Kotto, Anthony Franciosa
1973 Family Honor Dinner Friend Clark Worswick
1980 Gorp Mrs. Kramer Joseph Ruben Michael Lembeck, Dennis Quaid, Fran Drescher
1986 Power Moderator Sidney Lumet Richard Gere, Julie Christie, Gene Hackman
1991 The Hard Way Continental Representative John Badham Michael J. Fox, James Woods, Stephen Lang
1995 Italian Movie Nina Roberto Monticello Michael Della Femina, Caprice Benedetti, James Gandolfini
2000 Requiem for a Dream Mrs. Pearlman Darren Aronofsky Ellen Burstyn, Jared Leto, Jennifer Connelly
2001 Passing Stones Leon's Mother Roger Majkowski Roger Majkowski, Tom Ellis, Thomas Majkowski
2005 Rock the Paint Evelyn Phil Bertelson Douglas Smith, Kevin Phillips, Christopher Innvar
2005 Carlito's Way: Rise to Power Artie Sr.'s Wife Michael Bregman Jay Hernandez, Mario Van Peebles, Luis Guzman
2009 Split Ends Connie Provenzano Dorothy Lyman Vincent Pastore, Corinna May, Lawton Paseka
2011 Janet's Class Herself Dorothy Lyman
2013 All Is Bright Bartender #2 Phil Morrison Paul Giamatti, Paul Rudd, Sally Hawkins
2013 The Savage Beast Madeline Roger Majkowski Catherine Lloyd Burns, Orlagh Cassidy, Jen Davis
2016 The Sweet Sublime NA Alik Barsoumian Chase Bolnick 10-minute short starring Sarno & Bolnick
2018 To Dust Faigy Shawn Snyder Géza Röhrig, Matthew Broderick, Samy Voit

TV appearances

TV
TV Show Role Episode Year
Faith for Today Janet (as Janet Margaret Sarno) 1968
As the World Turns Ms. Schultz 1970
Search for Tomorrow Gladys Weed 197_
Hardhat and Legs Josie 1980
The Edge of Night Mrs. Arnold 1981
The Baby-Sitters Club Mrs. Slade "Dawn and the Haunted House" 1990
Law & Order Dr. Goldman "Forgiveness" 1992
Marie Costas "Tabula Rasa" 1999
Trial Judge Monica Ferrante "Smoke" 2003
Trial Judge Monica Ferrante "C.O.D." 2004
The Wright Verdicts Judge Rubino "Ex-Corpus Delicti" 1995
100 Centre Street "A Shot in the Dark" 2001
Conviction Aunt Renee "Breakup" 2006
New Amsterdam Debra Liu "Castles Made of Sand" 2022

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Thomas Morrison Engaged To Janet M. Sarno, Teacher". The Standard-Star. March 3, 1960. p. 5. "The engagement of Miss Janet Margaret Sarno to Thomas John Morrison, son of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Morrison of 148 Valley Stream Rd., Larchmont, has been announced by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Sarno of 302 Garfield Ave., Bridgeport, Conn. Miss Sarno, a graduate of Southern Connecticut State College, in New Haven, is teaching in the Hallen Public School in Bridgeport."
  2. 1 2 "Sunday, February 4, 1968: Morning". TV Guide. February 3, 1968. p. 35. "FAITH FOR TODAY—Religion. A wife tries to get her husband to take a vacation. Bob: Wayne Allen Carson. Janet: Janet Margaret Sarno. Doctor: John D. Seymour.".
  3. ↑ Willis, John, ed. (2002). Theatre World. New York: Applause Books. p. 251. ISBN 1-55783-432-6.
  4. ↑ "Death Notices: Sarno". The Bridgeport Post. March 5, 2010. p. D4. "Margaret Daddona Sarno of Fairfield, wife of the late Frank Sarno, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, March 4, 2010. Born in Stamford, Mrs. Sarno was a Stamford, Bridgeport and Fairfield resident for most of her life. [...] Survivors include her daughters, Grace Camarda of Fairfield and Janet Sarno Dontzin and her husband, the Honorable Michael J. Dontzin of New York City; [...] She was predeceased by her brothers, Edward, Peter and John Daddona;"
  5. ↑ Russell, Fred H. (March 12, 1972). "Gossip on Rialto". The Bridgeport Sunday Post. p. D-12. "Janet Sarno has joined the acting company of the Lincoln Center Repertory Company in New York. She will be playing the leading role in Strindberg's 'The Dance of Death' on tour. She will appear in such cities as Philadelphia, Buffalo, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Currently, Miss Sarno can be seen in the motion picture 'The Hospital,' starring George C. Scott. [...] Her parents are Mr. and Mrs. Francis Sarno of 84 Woody Lane, Fairfield."
  6. ↑ "United States, Census, 1950", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6FMN-9SXF : Sat Oct 07 00:59:48 UTC 2023), Entry for Francis A Sarno and Margaret E Sarno, 11 April 1950.
  7. ↑ "Spring Hair Styles Revue and Ball". March 31, 1939. p. 2. "Sotto gli auspici del Connecticut Hair Stylists Club, Domenica, 16 Aprile, ore 7:30 p. m., nel Ballroom dello Stratfield Hotel [...] Per il successo della mostra sta lavorando attivamente il seguente comitato: Edmondo Di Stasi, presidente; John Romano, vice Presidente e Chairman; Charles Abramo, Segretario; Frank Sarno, Tesoriere;"
  8. ↑ "Gifts Shower Upon Festival's King and Queen and Their Royal Court". The Bridgeport Post. July 6 1955. p. 26. "John Romano (left) and Frank Sarno, owner of the Sarno Beauty salon, 39 Elm street, arrange coiffures of Queen Janet and Miss Glynn as Miss Thilo (center) awaits her turn."
  9. ↑ "Sunday Postings by the Chatterbox". The Bridgeport Post. March 3, 1952. p. 22. "Among the local hair stylists who attended the Hairdressers' convention at Hotel Statler in New York this past week were: Marie Muccia, Mary Forte, Mary Kane, Irene Murphy, Rose Mayer, Gertrude Toothill, Sue Drank, Rose Wilson, Paul Costa, John Romano, Frank Sarno,"
  10. ↑ "Sunday Postings by the Chatterbox". The Bridgeport Post. September 2, 1951. p. 18. "Among the local folks who attended the Hairdressers' convention at the Hotel Statler this past week were: Sophie Beardsey, Rose Madaloni, Rita Schnee, John Romano, Frank Sarno,"
  11. ↑ "'THIS HOUSE,' A DRAMA, IN PRIZE PLAY CONTEST". The Bridgeport Telegram. Mar 28, 1949. p. 5. "The costume committee, with Mrs. Esta Osman, adviser, and its chairman, June Zarilli, consists of Isabelle Arco and Louise Foehrenbach. Barbara Snow is in charge of props, with Janet Sarno, Sybil| Schless, Larry Grillo, and Bill Herman assisting."
  12. ↑ "Central High Students to Stage Prize Plays at Klein". The Bridgeport Post. March 26, 1950. p. 12. "In rehearsal for 'Within These Walls', one of a trio of prize plays to be presented by Central high school students, are (left to right): Michael D'Auito, Janet Sarno, Walter Plummer and Mary Silva."
  13. ↑ "Sextet of Royalty, U. S. Style; Festival Royalty Selected With Eight". The Bridgeport Post. June 19, 1951. p. 3.
  14. ↑ "Selected as Royal Court for Festival". Bridgeport Telegram. June 19, 1951. p. 1. "Mutual congratulations were in order for this happy group when they were chosen last night of 1951- Eleanor Volpe, Janet Sarno, Janet"
  15. ↑ "Proof of the fact the Judges Had a Problem". The Bridgeport Post. June 19, 1951. p. 2. "Here they are--the handsome group of candidates who competed last night for the Barnum Festival's court of royalty at Bassick high school. The group includes: Marvin Gelfand, Gustave Karazules, Anne Yerontakis and Janet Darno, of Central high;"
  16. ↑ Taylor, Mary Darlington (July 1, 1951), "The King and Queen of Barnum Festival and Their Court". The Bridgeport Post. p. B1. "Fragilely lovely, her golden hair and fair coloring contrast dramatically with her brunette co-attendant, Janet Sarno, 302-Garfeld Avenue, who was graduated from Central earlier this month, and will enter New Haven State Teachers College in the autumn."
  17. ↑ Rose, Jean (May 1, 1956). "Sarno Has Her Heart Hitched to the Theater, May Forego Teaching After College Graduation". The Bridgeport Sunday Post. p. 13.
  18. 1 2 3 4 "Fairfield actress stars in hit Off-Broadway play". The Bridgeport Post. September 22, 1978. p. 20.
  19. ↑ "Yale Award Won By Janet Sarno". The Bridgeport Sunday Post. "Janet Sarno, of 302 Garfield avenue, received the at graduating ceremonies at Yale university last week. [...] Miss Sarno, a former Bridgeport teacher at Hallen school. completed her second year of study at the drama school. She will perform in summer stock at the Sacandaga Garden Summer theater in upper New York state this summer. The [$300] award stated that it is given to 'the actress who best exemplifies the Yale Drama school, scholastically and in acting achievement'."
  20. ↑ Taubman, Howard (May 18, 1962). "Theatre: Student Drama: Play by Joel Oliansky Is Offered at Yale". The New York Times. p. 34. ProQuest 116088645. The father in the case is a Hungarian tragedian who became a popular monster in Hollywood horror films and who finishes career as a pathetic freak to be laughed at in personal appearances in small towns. His son, the play's central figure, is an announcer for a sleazily operated radio station in a small midwestern town. [...] there are helpful performances by Robert Juergens as the son, Robert Strane as the father, Janet Sarno as a tough, though sensitive girl who does amusing broadcasts for teenagers, Keith Fowler, Thomas Calkins, Stephen Coy and Daniel Travanti
  21. ↑ "Casino Players Score In 'Threepenny Opera'; Mt. Park Cast Proves Equal to International Hit, Equal Season's Best". The Springfield Republican. July 31, 1963. p. 17. "Also on the female side, Janet Sarno, who does not have a singing as voice, did a tremendous job as Jenny because she didn't seem to let the fact bother her. In dull spots she carried the production with her performance."
  22. ↑ Kneeland, Paul F. (December 1, 1963). "A Modern Pepys' Diary". The Boston Globe. p. . "[I was q]uite taken by the beauty and histrionic ability of the portrayed by Janet Sarno who in this, her New York debut, was indeed electrifying in an unforgettable scene of rage and contempt."
  23. ↑ Bullett, J. Gordon (Aug 25, 1965). "Play Review: Songs, Dances and Cast Make 'Pal Joey' Sparkle". North Adams Transcript. p. 7. "Janet Sarno, who played Melba, was a show stopper with her strip tease number, 'Zip.'"
  24. ↑ "Poet Whitman Portrayal Shows Genius, Humanity". Jackson City Patriot. October 8, 1967 p. 47.
  25. ↑ "Poet Whitman Portrayal Shows Genius, Humanity". Jackson Citizen Patriot. October 8, 1967. p. 47.
  26. ↑ "Studio Arena". The Buffalo News. November 7, 1970. p. 24. "Now presenting premiere performance of 'The Survival of St. Joan,' described as a medieval rock opera. Runs through the month. Janet Sarno and Patrick Ford are featured."
  27. ↑ Dietz, Dan (2010). Off Broadway Musicals, 1910-2007: Casts, Credits, Songs, Critical Reception and Performance Data of More Than 1,800 Shows. Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company. p. 435. ISBN 978-0-7864-3399-5. "Janet Sarno (Whore, Villager, Leper Woman, Nun, Penitent)"
  28. ↑ Raidy, William (July 20, 1978). "First Nighter: 'Momma's' . . . devils!". The Jersey Journal. p. 11. "The most believable character in the drama is Patsie, who is 'only strong when she hates.' It is her revenge against her father that sets her usually more tranquil brothers into murderous motion. Patsie, played with appropriate histrionics by Janet Sarno, is indeed a woman scorned."
  29. ↑ Guernsey, Otis L.; Sweet, Jeffrey, ed. (1990). The Best Plays of 1989-1990: The Complete Broadway and Off-Broadway Sourcebook. New York: Applause Books. p. 519. ISBN 1-55783-090-8.
  30. ↑ Devine, Lawrence (April 8, 1990). "Another Hit From Louisville's Mysterious Playright". Detroit Free Press. p. 3 G.
  31. ↑ Siegel, Naomi (November 9, 1989). "An Uneven 'Iguana' Is Still Compelling". The Montclair Times. p. 23.
  32. 1 2 Garrison, Judy (February 1, 2011). "Dorothy Lyman Documentary to Be Screened at Andes Hotel". The Andes Gazette. Retrieved December 4, 2025. "What impelled Dorothy to make a film of this group of 14 senior citizens, ages 50 to 92, who are taking an acting class from teacher Janet Sarno (also a senior)? 'I am not enjoying aging, am finding it a problem, this getting older. So I forced myself to look at older folks, hoping it might help.' Along with that motivation, her objective was to offer the audience insight into aging, and from a professional perspective she hoped to shine a light on a diversity of acting techniques and what it takes to be a good actor. [...] Dorothy and Janet Sarno became acquainted when Sarno was cast to play Aunt Connie in Lyman’s film Split Ends. Sarno, who has taught music and acting in a multiplicity of settings, teaches this course in a church basement. Dorothy shot this film herself, a first for her. When she started to video the student actors she wasn’t sure it was going to develop into a full length documentary. The absence of a 'crew' may have helped foster an atmosphere where the actor/subjects could easily open up to her. Grammy Award-winner Bill Cunliffe wrote the score."
  33. ↑ "Artist: Bill Cunliffe". Grammy.com.
  34. ↑ "Deaths: Cohen, Herbert; Costikyan, Edward; Dontzin, Michael; Ellenberg, Sylvia; Georgis, Mitzi; Huszar, Kenneth; Kostrinsky, Sam". The New York Times. June 23, 2012. p. D8. ProQuest 1705859245. DONTZIN—Michael Joseph, Retired Justice of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, died peacefully at his home in New York City on June 22, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. Judge Dontzin was 89 years old. [...] He is survived by his devoted wife of 35 years, Janet Sarno, an actress; [...] Judge Dontzin's other great passion was to serve as his wife's Stage Door Johnny, accompanying her to each of her theater performances.
  35. ↑ "New York, New York City Marriage Licenses Index, 1950-1995", FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLSL-3YF3 : Fri Feb 21 21:27:58 UTC 2025), Entry for Michael J Dontzin and Janet M Sarno, 1985.
  36. ↑ "Deaths: Berger, Murray; Leinwand, Robert; Pratt, Elizabeth; Rosenberg, Robin; Sarno, Janet; Ungerleider, Steven; Vogliano, Ernest". The New York Times. March 22, 2023. p. B11. ProQuest 2805379265. SARNO—Janet, died peacefully at home in NYC at age 89. She was a prolific Broadway, TV and film actor as well as a playwright. A beloved acting teacher, she founded the Limelighters Theatre Group, an acting studio for seniors. A memorial is planned for the late spring.
  37. ↑ Russell, Fred H. (July 18, 1971). "Gossip on Rialto". The Bridgeport Post. p. 56. "Miss Sarno, who will be seen in the soon-to-be-released motion picture, 'Hospital,' with George C. Scott, is a Williamstown veteran, having 20-odd roles there beginning with her first season in 1961. Her roles have included Marsha in 'The Seagull,' Clea in 'Clack Comedy,' Ellen Manville in 'Luv,' and Sarah in 'J.B.' Miss Sarno, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis Sarno of 602 Garfield avenue, and a former Bridgeport school teacher, has alternated between television and films (she is in Woody Allen's current hit, 'Bananas')"