Center Square: The Paul Lynde Story

Here are some reader Q & A's that appeared in various sources, mostly newspapers. Enjoy!

Spreading Talent, 1969

Q. I recently read a letter in your column praising “The Golddiggers” and I am in complete accord. It was the most entertaining summer variety show on the air and I particularly like Paul Lynde. Will he have a series of his own this year? – R. L., Bethlehem, Pa.

A. Paul Lynde will spread his talents around during the coming season. He will continue his guest appearances as Uncle Arthur on the “Bewitched” series; appear as a panelist on “The Hollywood Squares”; and make many guest appearances on the “Dean Martin Show” and other variety shows.

Prepared Cleverness, 1970

Q. The guest stars on “Hollywood Squares” all appear to be so clever. Are their observations prepared in advance by gagwriters? – Janice Wolf, Millville, N.J.

A. Since the TV quiz scandals of the '50s, the game producers and networks are cautious about even a hint of fixing. About as far as they go on “Hollywood Squares” is to brief the participants on the area of the questioning, no specifics. “So you don't look like a total dummy,” frequent guest Paul Lynde explained.

Dr. Lynde, 1970

Q: Didn’t comedian Paul Lynde once intern in medicine? Ted Jones, Pittsburgh.

A: Fortunately, no. But he did drive an ambulance. “I wore the cap, the white coat, and loved to go tearing through the streets with bells clanging,” he says. “Then one night I answered an emergency call and found my patient was already dead. Somehow I got him into the ambulance but got so sick and frightened I threw my uniform away and left the scene. For all I know, the stiff and the ambulance might still be parked where I left them.”

Hollywood Wit, 1970

Q. I always enjoy an appearance by Paul Lynde on any variety or comedy series. He's a distinctive comedian and he really makes me laugh. I understand that Paul is known as somewhat of a wit in Hollywood. Is this true and if so, does he do any writing for the TV shows? – R. K., Albany, N.Y.

A. Paul Lynde is said to have a quick wit and a good mind for one liners. He employs this facet of his talent whenever he appears as a panelist on "Hollywood Squares" or on talk shows. However, he does not write for any of the variety shows or comedy series.

His Man Purse, 1971

Q. “Seeing PL carry a purse on TV talks shows, I wondered: what does he keep in it? Samantha N., Tampa, Fla.

A. When the contents of Paul’s purse (which looks like a camera case with a shoulder strap) were dumped, these articles tumbled out: two pairs of glasses: one dark, one for reading: a book of American Express traveler’s checks and a script for the John Kenley production in Warren, O., of Plaza Suite. Why the purse? “Because,” the comedian complains, “these days there are no pockets in men’s clothes.”

The Paul Lynde Show, 1972

Q. Paul Lynde's show is getting better and better. I must admit when I started to watch the series, I thought we were in for just another situation comedy with silly plots, but all that has changed. Paul Lynde is terrific and I would like to know how he is doing in the ratings.—R.M., Tampa, Fla.

A. The ratings for the Paul Lynde Show are exactly the opposite of your reaction to the show ... that is, they started out high and then dwindled to about half way in the Nielsen listings (which still isn't bad, but not in the hit category).

Hollywood Squares, 1974

Q. Recently on “Hollywood Squares,” one of the celebrities was “Charlie Weaver.” Isn’t the original “Charlie Weaver” dead? - R.C.N.

A. If he is, that’s a lively ghost on the show. Cliff Arquette, who plays Charlie Weaver, had a stroke three years ago [and] retired from TV. But he recovered so well he came back. Colleague Paul Lynde thinks the rest was unfair to the other panelists. “He’s so sharp, sharper than ever.” says Lynde. “You can’t top him.”

Ad Libber?, 1975

Q. Is it true that the stars on "Hollywood Squares" get all the answers? — F.L.

A. Not even good ad libbers like Paul Lynde can have that many gags stored up. The stars are given a briefing on the subjects and some appropriate jokes since entertainment, not prizes, is the main concern on the show no one objects.

Pitchman, 1975

Q: I’m surprised Paul Lynde isn’t grabbed for commercials. That smile would be terrific. Has Paul ever done any? G.N., San Bernardino, Calif.

A: YES. But Paul’s commercial work is limited to a New York bank although he’s had many offers to do national brands — especially toothpaste. “I’ve turned down the national offers,” he explains, “because I’ve always been afraid of overexposure. I think being seen on all those guest spots plus reruns of old shows like “Bewitched” is more than enough.” So, for now at least, if you want to see a Paul Lynde commercial, come to New York.

Wedding Bells, 1976

Q. Is Paul Lynde going to marry Karen Valentine? Y.F., Modesta, Calif.

A. Paul and Karen may share adjoining cubicles in the “Hollywood Squares” show, but they do not plan a matrimonial merger.

A Busy Guy, 1976

Q. Will Paul Lynde be a regular on this new season of “Donny & Marie”? R.K., Jacksonville, Fla.

A. Yes. That is, if by “regular” you are satisfied with 11 shows. That’s the number Paul will appear in during the coming season. He is also scheduled for 4 ABC specials and will continue to appear on “The Hollywood Squares.” A very busy guy.

Bow Out, 1980

Q. I am writing to make an inquiry as to what happened to Paul Lynde. Why isn't he on "The Hollywood Squares" anymore? — Mrs. James England, Brick Town, N.J.

A. Lynde has nixed rumors that he was asked to leave the show due to a drinking and behavior problem, saying he decided to bow out on his own, preferring to spend the time in other areas of the business.

Comeback, 1980

Q. Even with all the big-name Hollywood stars on TV's "Hollywood Squares," I used to enjoy Paul Lynde best of all. Now that he's off the show, I've simply stopped watching it. Any chance of Lynde coming back? — Mrs. George McK., Shreveport, La.

A. Funny you should ask. Apparently others felt the same way you did — and Paul Lynde the ratings have fallen since Lynde left. So Filmways Enterprises has signed him up again — and if you watch closely — you'll soon spot him in his center square.

MIA, 1981

Q. What has happened to Paul Lynde? I'll bet it's been two years since we've seen the man who was honored as "Comedian of the Year" on TV.

A. Not much has happened, at least on TV. Lynde has done a lot of stage and club work, but he had a falling out with the producers of "Hollywood Squares," his chief TV showcase, and left the series in 1979. When "Squares" started drooping in the ratings, he was asked to return in 1980. He was honored on "The Comedy Awards," something Alan King invented for ABC in 1975. It was telecast once and Lynde was voted "The Funniest Man in America" in 1974.