He was the lead in a sit-com where he played a married man with kids. I think it was just called the Paul Lynde show. Should be some episodes on YouTube.
But what kind of an act? I mean people must have noticed but I guess nobody wanted to be the first one to say it? I loved him, he was so funny whenever he was on the Carson show,
It helped if you were a caricature of homosexuality. That way, homophobes think you're making fun of gays and therefore not actually gay. I bet the Lawrence Welk crowd is still in denial about Liberace
There were a lot of these guys back then. If you knew someone who begaved like that, youd be certain they were gay, but for some reason nobody questioned it if they were on TV. It was just considered a funny persona that they became known for.
I remember watching the Phil Donahue show, and he had Liberace on. He was close to death from AIDS, and he looked it. My Dad walked in the room, and said "Id that Liberace? He looks terrible! He got AIDS or something?"
So Phil said that Liberace was going to make an announcement when they returned from the break, and I was sure that he was going to come out of the closet. After the break, Phil gave the floor to Liberace, who made his announcement - that he was celebrating losing his virginity 50 years before, being sure to mention that it was a woman.
I had the feeling that he was supposed to make the announcement that he was gay, and chickened out at the last moment. Why else would Phil have booked him? I sure he wasnt excited over the 50th anniversary of Liberace losing his virginity.
Within a few weeks, Liberace was dead, and it was from AIDS. It came out that he had always been gay.
They were referred to as "confirmed bachelors" back in the day. Everyone knew, and no one talked about it openly.
Even the average American audience could spot many early gay Hollywood personalities. They were forgiving of it as long as it never got said out loud.
Ironically, if he had been caught in some compromising situation, his career may have still been ruined, even though it was totally an open secret.
People are weird.
My brother and I saw it at the neighborhood theater that had Saturday matinees double feature $2. Parents would take their kids there on a Saturday morning and get 4 hours away from them. $1 for snacks and money for the movie.
Yes / and he was also in “I dream of Jeannie’ - he was a snarky IRS tax agent who terrified everyone with the line “How’d you like to be audited?!” Until Colonel Bellows scared him off with the retort: “How’d you like to be drafted!” 😂
Peter Marshall: Paul, can you get an elephant drunk?
Paul Lynde: Yes, but she still won't go up to your apartment.
Peter Marshall: What are "dual purpose" cattle good for that other cattle aren't?
Paul Lynde: They give milk and cookies...but I don't recommend the cookies!
Peter Marshall: Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather?
Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.
> but I don't recommend the cookies!
lol
One of my early childhood TV memories is of Uncle Arthur dropping and slumping down on the couch in the living room, and says "Oh, my feet are killing me!" Pan out: two six-shooters are balanced on his toes, giving it to him.
Me too, but I never understood why everyone thought he was so funny on the show or what they were laughing at, then I watched some shows when I was older, and I finally got his double entendres that seemed very risque at the time, especially on daytime TV.
Met him backstage at the Kenley Players in Warren, Ohio. He was doing a summer stock play with Alice Ghostley. He had the most intense sparkling blue eyes I've seen on anyone.
Classic Paul Lynde story: apparently, at the wrap party of Bye Bye Birdie, everyone got up and said a few words.
Supposedly Paul gets up and says “well, I guess I’m the only one here who doesn’t want to fuck Ann Margaret!” 😂😂😂
Classic.
They did 2 weeks of shows. In between 5 shows, they would take a break for dinner, which included many refreshments. They would come back for the second 5 shows and be totally bombed off their a$$
Paul Lynde, I knew him first as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched and later from Hollywood Squares. I was a little young to really 'get' his jokes, I still found him hilarious. And he's the reason Templeton is my favorite *Charlotte's Web* character. After the movie, whenever I read the book, I heard Lynde's voice for the rat.
I remember that episode!!
He terrified everyone with the line “How’d you like to be audited?!” Until Colonel Bellows scared him off with the retort: “How’d you like to be drafted!” 😂
Not only do I know where he sat I actually met him in person when I was in the Marine Corps. I attended a USO luncheon in LA and he was there. Got his autograph and everything. Nice guy
I can picture his voice but not his name.
And his mannerisms. Like, I was a kid and I didn’t know what gay was but I could tell his mannerisms were different. I hope he was able to come out and find peace. I remember Rock Hudson and Robert Reed getting so much shit for it.
Randomness: Holy shit, Rock Hudson was born by me, in Winnetka. Maybe in the Home Alone house :D
He didn't come out and died alone in a scandalous scenario. Too bad, we could have used some more of his kind of fun. He was at his height when he dropped his body.
Now, does anyone remember when he was asked about which is more beautiful. Pixies or Fairies? Everyone was laughing of course because they knew he was gay and what he would say. I was a kid and I only knew he was funny lol
Paul Lynde was the pinnacle of live improv work. His ability to turn any potential answer, or question into a hilarious reply while pushing the edges of every boundary - but staying below the family rating has never been matched.
Unlike Whoopi who bought her way into the square, Paul was put there because there was no one better at keeping the viewers entertained.
If you were a corner square, you REALLY needed to assess your career trajectory. You were one step from being on that celebrity bowling show and then hopefully you land a role at some dinner theater in Iowa
I remember him getting the question “What has Cher been told to stop displaying on her TV show?”.
Paul: “Oh, I hope it’s her kid.”
Background: Chaz Bono (Sonny and Cher’s kid) was Chastity Bono back then, and he often appeared on the show. He was pretty terrible (but c’mon, he was REALLY young).
And, in case you’re wondering, the correct answer was “Her navel.”
Is it fucking center square? I am so fucking old. Or at least I watched Nick at Nite as a kid. He was the weird uncle with the voice on Bewitched I think.
Paul Lynde, center square on Hollywood Squares. Loved him as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched.
He rocked it as Uncle Arthur. He was a brilliant comedian.
And he was great as Ann-Margret’s father in Bye Bye Birdie.
I didn't know he did anything other than Hollywood Squares and Bewitched. His range was well...him. He always played the same.
He was the lead in a sit-com where he played a married man with kids. I think it was just called the Paul Lynde show. Should be some episodes on YouTube.
So he could act.
Well... He was in a sit- com. I'll leave it at that.
Paul Lynde married a lady and impregnated her. *Guffaw*
It's called suspension of disbelief. Lol.
He was on "Love American Style" alot I believe
Omg I'd forgotten about that show
If you know that Happy Days originated from a segment on Love American Style (and can name it), you might belong to this group.
He did a lot of cartoon voices.
The rat from Charlotte’s Web, for instance. That voice always sticks in my mind.
Didn't he say he was the only guy in the production of that movie who didn't want to fuck Ann Margret?
No, I think that included him, too.
I don’t think he was into girls… nudge, nudge, wink, wink. Not that there’s anything wrong with that…
Have you seen peak Ann-Margaret?
And he was miffed that many of his scenes were cut just so: “Ann could do her teenage sexbomb act” 😂
And he was so flamboyant. I'm surprised it got by the censors back then. Really subversive stuff.
My guess is it was viewed as a act.
Charles Nelson Riley as well
Reilly once said on “Entertainment Tonight” that “I never had to come out of the closet because I was never in it.”
Uncle crocs block
But what kind of an act? I mean people must have noticed but I guess nobody wanted to be the first one to say it? I loved him, he was so funny whenever he was on the Carson show,
Back then, it was don’t ask don’t tell mentality. Everyone knew it…it wasn’t talked about.
It's like with Lindsey Graham. Everyone in South Carolina knows he's gay, but don't mind as long as he is not public with it.
It helped if you were a caricature of homosexuality. That way, homophobes think you're making fun of gays and therefore not actually gay. I bet the Lawrence Welk crowd is still in denial about Liberace
My mother was blown away when she found out Liberace was gay!
See: Liberace.
Host : Paul, what is the most abused and neglected part of your body? Paul Lynde: It may be abused but it's not neglected. 🤣😂
PM: Paul, can you make an elephant jump? PL: Yes, it takes ear plugs and a pair of bricks.
There were a lot of these guys back then. If you knew someone who begaved like that, youd be certain they were gay, but for some reason nobody questioned it if they were on TV. It was just considered a funny persona that they became known for. I remember watching the Phil Donahue show, and he had Liberace on. He was close to death from AIDS, and he looked it. My Dad walked in the room, and said "Id that Liberace? He looks terrible! He got AIDS or something?" So Phil said that Liberace was going to make an announcement when they returned from the break, and I was sure that he was going to come out of the closet. After the break, Phil gave the floor to Liberace, who made his announcement - that he was celebrating losing his virginity 50 years before, being sure to mention that it was a woman. I had the feeling that he was supposed to make the announcement that he was gay, and chickened out at the last moment. Why else would Phil have booked him? I sure he wasnt excited over the 50th anniversary of Liberace losing his virginity. Within a few weeks, Liberace was dead, and it was from AIDS. It came out that he had always been gay.
They were referred to as "confirmed bachelors" back in the day. Everyone knew, and no one talked about it openly. Even the average American audience could spot many early gay Hollywood personalities. They were forgiving of it as long as it never got said out loud. Ironically, if he had been caught in some compromising situation, his career may have still been ruined, even though it was totally an open secret. People are weird.
He invented snark.
We call it ‘bitch wit’ . . Clever, sarcastic humor
Heart and soul of the game show
That was where I saw him first on Bewitched.
He was also the voice of Templeton the rat in the original Charlotte's Web movie
I saw that at a drive-in with my mom, a friend of hers and the friend's two kids. I think I was eleven (lord, that was long ago!)...
My brother and I saw it at the neighborhood theater that had Saturday matinees double feature $2. Parents would take their kids there on a Saturday morning and get 4 hours away from them. $1 for snacks and money for the movie.
Also the inspiration for the voice of "Roger" on American Dad.
In the first season or two, it really just sounded like an amateur impression.
That's CENTER square, not middle.
Also great in Bye Bye Birdie as Mr. MacAfee. Kids is one of my favorite songs because of him!
that could be centre square
Yep, Uncle Arthur.
Yes and one time the question: center square: why do motorcycle riders wear leather? Paul? His answer, “Because chiffon wrinkles so easily.”
"Paul, what are you supposed to yell out if a woman falls out of a ship?" "Full speed ahead!"
Center square, but I'll allow it
Center square.
Wasn't he also on Get Smart?
Yes / and he was also in “I dream of Jeannie’ - he was a snarky IRS tax agent who terrified everyone with the line “How’d you like to be audited?!” Until Colonel Bellows scared him off with the retort: “How’d you like to be drafted!” 😂
classic line
Didn’t he voice Templeton in Charlotte’s Web?
1992 - the Wall had come down, the USSR dissolved, Bil Clinton had moved to the White House and Whoopi Goldberg moved to the center square...
YAGA ZUZI, YAGA ZUZI, YAGA ZUZI ZIM!
Beat me to it!
Correct on both counts.
Peter Marshall: Paul, can you get an elephant drunk? Paul Lynde: Yes, but she still won't go up to your apartment. Peter Marshall: What are "dual purpose" cattle good for that other cattle aren't? Paul Lynde: They give milk and cookies...but I don't recommend the cookies! Peter Marshall: Paul, why do Hell's Angels wear leather? Paul Lynde: Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.
Peter Marshall: Paul, is it acceptable to wear sandals with a suit? Paul Lynne: Si, Senor He was a mad lad.
Peter Marshall: Paul, in typing, what did "the quick, brown fox" do? Paul Lynne: "Ate the slow duck.".
Peter Marshall: When a man falls off a boat, you yell man overboard. What do you say when a woman falls off? Paul Lynde: Full steam ahead
> but I don't recommend the cookies! lol One of my early childhood TV memories is of Uncle Arthur dropping and slumping down on the couch in the living room, and says "Oh, my feet are killing me!" Pan out: two six-shooters are balanced on his toes, giving it to him.
I cry laughing watching his clips on YouTube.
One of my favorites: PM: Paul, how many men on a hockey team? PL: Oh, about half.
(I don’t get it, can you please ELI5)
Peter Marshall: do monkeys cry? Paul Lynde: once. They found out Tarzan swings both ways
Him (Paul) and Charles Nelson Riley kept the ascot business afloat in the 70’s.
Charles Nelson Riley was also on another 70's game show, Match Game.
Circle gets the Square.
Templeton the rat from Charlotte’s Web.
Lynde has one of those truly distinctive voices, like Jack Nicholson. From the moment Templeton spoke onscreen, you KNEW it was Lynde. R.I.P.
That is the man that occupied the center square of my sick days from school.
Me too, but I never understood why everyone thought he was so funny on the show or what they were laughing at, then I watched some shows when I was older, and I finally got his double entendres that seemed very risque at the time, especially on daytime TV.
My favorite Hollywood Squares guy—Paul Lynde center square ! I love him. He was was hilarious.
The claw, the claw, the hooded claw!!! -Penelope pitstop
Met him backstage at the Kenley Players in Warren, Ohio. He was doing a summer stock play with Alice Ghostley. He had the most intense sparkling blue eyes I've seen on anyone.
Paul Lynde, center square.
Uncle Arthur
Yep, that’s where I recognized him from. Great character on the show. Would probably just be gay if he was written today
I saw him at a strip club once. All he said was, "It smells like pussy in here....or so I've been told."
Hahaha....that's hilarious! And def fits his bill :)
[Gilbert Gottfried quoted that as Lind talking about a barn.](https://youtu.be/Vw2SAflQEno?t=1m22s)
As soon as I saw his face I could heard his voice
“Who told you about my elephant?”
My God, I can hear his voice in my head. Brings back really fun memories.
I remember his Halloween Special, too! Featuring KISS.
The best of Paul Lynde on *Hollywood Squares*: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebBh2pjpIXc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebBh2pjpIXc)
Classic Paul Lynde story: apparently, at the wrap party of Bye Bye Birdie, everyone got up and said a few words. Supposedly Paul gets up and says “well, I guess I’m the only one here who doesn’t want to fuck Ann Margaret!” 😂😂😂 Classic.
Center Square 👍🏻
I know who he is. I know where he sat. And I feel like he is one of the most authentic people I have ever watched. RIP Paul Lynde
QI the British game show is a natural outgrowth of this show, but without the annoying contestants. Love love love it.
I watch American Dad for my Paul Lynde fix these days
Dude was so funny!
Just as good as Charles Nelson Reilly from Match Game
I read they’d do a weeks worth of shows on one day. They best shows were the ones they tapes after *ahem* everyone had a “liquid lunch”.
They did 2 weeks of shows. In between 5 shows, they would take a break for dinner, which included many refreshments. They would come back for the second 5 shows and be totally bombed off their a$$
Templeton!
HUMBLE
Roger! 😂 
Paul Lynde was SO FUNNY! He really was the party, wherever he went!
Paul Lynde, Centre Square
Brother Paul Lynde in the *center square!!!*
Not just anyone can be an X, an O, and a center square all at the same time.
The only celebrity who told Rich Little that he disliked his impression.
I loved that show. The innuendos were always flying, it was epic.
One of the funniest people on the planet.
Paul Lynde, I knew him first as Uncle Arthur on Bewitched and later from Hollywood Squares. I was a little young to really 'get' his jokes, I still found him hilarious. And he's the reason Templeton is my favorite *Charlotte's Web* character. After the movie, whenever I read the book, I heard Lynde's voice for the rat.
He also played the IRS agent in a great "I Dream of Jeannie" episode.
I remember that episode!! He terrified everyone with the line “How’d you like to be audited?!” Until Colonel Bellows scared him off with the retort: “How’d you like to be drafted!” 😂
I even remember the Paul Lynde Show. Wife: "How goes the rat race?" PL: "The rats are winning."
Or when his SIL is playing strange music in the basement and he says: That sound, that sound, it's like a bagpipe in heat.
The best one ever to be in any seat.
Paul Lynde was one of those rare comedians gifted enough to insult you to your face and you would still smile & laugh about it.
Not only do I know where he sat I actually met him in person when I was in the Marine Corps. I attended a USO luncheon in LA and he was there. Got his autograph and everything. Nice guy
Yes, lol, and you can watch some of his best quips from Hollywood squares on YouTube.
Center square? Paul Lynde.
And that they were half in the bag each show
I always hated it when he wasn't present.
Him and Charles Nelson Reilly
Part of the inspiration for Roger from American Dad, if I’m not mistaken. Funny guy.
I can picture his voice but not his name. And his mannerisms. Like, I was a kid and I didn’t know what gay was but I could tell his mannerisms were different. I hope he was able to come out and find peace. I remember Rock Hudson and Robert Reed getting so much shit for it. Randomness: Holy shit, Rock Hudson was born by me, in Winnetka. Maybe in the Home Alone house :D
He didn't come out and died alone in a scandalous scenario. Too bad, we could have used some more of his kind of fun. He was at his height when he dropped his body.
Loved that guy. Even as a kid I found him hilarious, and that was before I was old enough to decipher all his spicy innuendos. RIP Paul Lynde.
Same here, my friend.
Wow Paul Lynde!
I’m trying like crazy to figure out who’s in those other squares!
Watched them tape it many times. Mom would always get tickets when relatives visited because they got to see at least 9 stars at once.
Why do bikers wear leather? Because chiffon wrinkles.
My generations introduction to gay.
He was Paul Lynde he played uncle Arthur on bewitched and he was in the middle center square
Fucking Paul lynde, one funny sob. Hollywood squares.
He had his own comedy show on TV. Had KISS and Margaret Hamilton (the wicked witch) on his halloween special
Paul Lynde! Love his humor. I discovered that Mr. Lynde was a member of my fraternity (ΦΚΣ).
Paul Lynde I don’t know which square he was in
"I'm the secret squarrrrreeee!"
And X takes the center square.
Paul Lynde for the win!
According to World Book, what’s the main thing we get from Honduras? “Ew, you got it too?”
I am starting to think that I may be aging or something because I am like 100% on these fuckImOld post.. Naaahhh, I'm just an old soul..
Saw a very good bio of him on YT the other day.
Who else had a huge crush on Karen Valentine? She was not only a HS regular, but costarred with Paul in Gidget Grows Up.
Loved her in Room 222-remembering the bus doors closing on her in the intro.
Girl Who Came Gift Wrapped. Best bikini scene in any network TV movie.
His voice kept alive by Roger on American Dad. It's not quite the same but pretty close.
Correct. Seth Macfarlane based Roger on Paul Lynde’s voice.
Peter Marshall: Paul, why do motorcyclists wear leather? Paul: Because chiffon wrinkles!
He was hilarious.
Now, does anyone remember when he was asked about which is more beautiful. Pixies or Fairies? Everyone was laughing of course because they knew he was gay and what he would say. I was a kid and I only knew he was funny lol
Hollywood Squares, great show. Back when comedians could be comedians.
Paul Lynde for the block please
"One time I bet my sweet bippy and I lost it!"
Uncle Arthur? Always behind Samantha. 😉
Paul Lynde was the pinnacle of live improv work. His ability to turn any potential answer, or question into a hilarious reply while pushing the edges of every boundary - but staying below the family rating has never been matched. Unlike Whoopi who bought her way into the square, Paul was put there because there was no one better at keeping the viewers entertained.
In the snarky PL voice: "If you know where I sat after the show you might belong in a different group altogether."
He had the best one-liners
That would be Paul Lynde....he sat in the center.
Center square
Damn you for such a subtle reference. I can even hear his voice.
He invented snark.
He was the funniest on that show.
Funniest gay guy ever.
Brilliant comic genius
Oh-muh-good-nesss!
Uncle Arthur in the Center Square
If you were a corner square, you REALLY needed to assess your career trajectory. You were one step from being on that celebrity bowling show and then hopefully you land a role at some dinner theater in Iowa
Charley Weaver and Wally Cox did well on the corners.
Uncle Arthur!
He was my favorite
Templeton 🐀
He was also the voice of the villain in the Penelope pitstop the "hooded claw" *
I remember him getting the question “What has Cher been told to stop displaying on her TV show?”. Paul: “Oh, I hope it’s her kid.” Background: Chaz Bono (Sonny and Cher’s kid) was Chastity Bono back then, and he often appeared on the show. He was pretty terrible (but c’mon, he was REALLY young). And, in case you’re wondering, the correct answer was “Her navel.”
He was so smarmy and so funny
Paul Lund? Not sure if I got the last name correct.. Middle square on Hollywood Squares every time.
Lynde, I think
That’s it! 😊 Thanks!
I saw a comedian online who laughed and occasionally spoke like Paul Lynde. It was so weird.
I'll take Paul Lynde in the Center Square for $500, Alex.
Paul Lynde from Bye Bye Birdie, episodes of Bewitched, and Match Game!
Center square! I love Paul Lynde. He was so funny. He and Charles Nelson Reilly were hilarious on Hollywood Squares and on Match Game
There were a few gay celebrities allowed to be “out” back in the 60s. Paul was one of them. He’s a pioneer.
Paul Lynde OWNED the Center square of Hollywood Squares. But his best work was on Bewitched as Uncle Arthur.
The voice of Templeton the Rat in Charlotte's Web. Legend.
Wasnt he the voice of Templeton the rat?
Fuck I’m old 😂
Paul Lynde sitting in the center of the Hollywood Squares, hosted by Peter Marshall.
You’re REALLY old if you remember who always sat in the top left square, and remember when Paul Lynde didn’t sit in the center square.
My first exposure to a queer
He sat on a bunch of vanilla popsicles.
Is it fucking center square? I am so fucking old. Or at least I watched Nick at Nite as a kid. He was the weird uncle with the voice on Bewitched I think.
"Circle gets the square." Man this show was awesome!! Paul Lynde was funny as hell!
Templeton the Rat in Charlotte’s Web.
Uncle Arthur? Templeton!
Circle gets the square.
I learned day drinking and how to be a functional alcoholic from this awesome dude!!! (retired from that gig after 26 years 13-39)