Paul Lynde’s 5 Most Outrageous Moments

Paul Lynde, a name synonymous with quick-witted comedy and an unabashed flamboyance, won the hearts of America with his razor-sharp humor and unmistakable presence. Known chiefly for his role on The Hollywood Squares as the sardonic center square from 1968 to 1979, Lynde enchanted audiences with his impromptu jabs and campy charm. As Lynde’s distinctive voice and over-the-top reactions punctuated televisions across the country, his influence went beyond fleeting giggles; he etched himself into the annals of comedic legend. This romp down memory lane will explore five such moments that exemplify why Paul Lynde’s outrageous antics continue to delight us to this day.

A Spotlight on Hollywood Squares: Paul Lynde at His Best

Lynde’s tenure on The Hollywood Squares was nothing short of iconic. His acerbic wit and the ability to deliver a punchline made him an absolute showstopper and arguably the most memorable personality amidst a rotating cast of stars. With a mischievous glint in his eye and that endearingly snide tone, Lynde gifted viewers with quips that were at once scathing and humorous. He didn’t merely play the game; he transformed it into a showcase of his comedic prowess.

Lynde responded to the question, “You’re the world’s most popular fruit. What are you?” with his perfectly-timed retort, “Humble.”

Or when asked, “Why do motorcyclists wear leather?” Lynde zested, “Because chiffon wrinkles too easily.”

These moments are not mere echoes of laughter past; they are the epitome of Lynde’s ability to capture the ludicrousness of the cookie-cutter TV persona and turn it on its head, proving real comedy is timeless.

Bewitched: Spellbinding Humor Courtesy of Paul Lynde

If The Hollywood Squares highlighted Lynde’s knack for off-the-cuff humor, his role as Uncle Arthur in “Bewitched” showcased his talent for scripted comedy. Diving into a character that was equal parts mischievous sorcerer and benevolent relative, Lynde enchanted viewers with his antics, often directed at the long-suffering Darrin Stephens. His knack for making magic on screen was as literal as it was metaphorical.

One cannot forget the episode in which Uncle Arthur impersonates Darrin’s boss, delivering barbs and quips that leave audiences in stitches. With a devilish smirk and a laugh that seemed to shake the very foundation of the Stephens’ home, Lynde’s performances were nothing short of spellbinding.

The Roasts: Paul Lynde, the King of Zestful Zingers

The celebrity roast is a context where humor can be as fiery as it is affectionate, and Lynde was a master at striking this delicate balance. His appearances on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roasts are memorable for showcasing Lynde in his element: the unchallenged emperor of the zing.

Lynde could target his comedic barbs with precision. During one uproarious roast, he remarked, “I said to Elizabeth Taylor, ‘Liz, you’re too fat to go skiing.’ And she said ‘Oh no, Paul, the instructor just told me I went down the hill faster than anyone in the history of the sport.’”

Every roast that featured Lynde became a riot of laughter, and his performances remain some of the most frequently revisited clips, endearing him further to fans old and new.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=eHf9DPJCXaA

Paul Lynde Halloween Special: A Campy Cauldron of Comedy

Who would have thought that a television special, aired only once, could become the stuff of legend? The Paul Lynde Halloween Special was an oddity, a variety special that dipped deep into the cauldron of camp and pulled out something unforgettable. With guest stars, including the likes of witchy songstress Margaret Hamilton and even the rock band KISS, Lynde charmed and chortled his way through skits and songs with the ease of a seasoned sorcerer of satire.

Lynde’s delivery of cheeky holiday humor while dressed as a rhinestone-studded wizard has been etched into the minds of all who were lucky enough to witness it. This unique blend of earnest cheesiness and comedic genius could only be stirred together by someone of Lynde’s talents.

Rare Appearances and Interviews: Unscripted Lynde

One might argue that Lynde was at his best when left to his own devices, and his unscripted appearances on various talk shows and interviews bear witness to this. Without the confines of a character or a script, Lynde could allow his wit to run wild, and the result was always a delightful spectacle of banter and gaiety.

In these candid moments, Lynde’s personality shone like a beacon of how a comedian could be both outrageously funny and oddly relatable. His appearances were testament to an era when humor didn’t have to be mean-spirited to leave a mark – it just had to be smart.

Paul Lynde’s Legacy: Why We Still Love His Outrageous Antics

To say that Paul Lynde was “one-of-a-kind” seems like an understatement. It fails to encapsulate the sheer force of his comedic talent and the indelible impact he made on the landscape of American humor. Through the lens of modern sensibilities, Lynde’s humor was not merely outrageous; it was revolutionary. He dared to poke fun at the establishment and the status quo, all while remaining the picture of irrepressible charm.

His performances in both “Bewitched” and “The Hollywood Squares” and his ventures into sitcoms like “The Paul Lynde Show” exhibited a man comfortable with being the center of attention yet unafraid of self-deprecation. Lynde’s ability to balance caustic satire with a genuine sensitivity has made his moments of outrageousness fondly remembered – not just as points of hilarity but as touchstones for a rare and effervescent brand of comedy.

And so, Paul Lynde’s legacy endures, a scene-stealing sorcerer whose spell of laughter and levity remains unbroken. It is a testament to his talent that, decades later, his very name still conjures smiles and serves as a benchmark for the art of the zinger. Long may the memory of his outrageous antics continue to light up our screens and our hearts with an unmistakable twinkle of mischief and a grin of enduring delight.

Paul Lynde, known for his zingers and sharp tongue that could cut deeper than a muscle roller on a sore limb, was the king of comedic sass. His humor left audiences in stitches and his unexpected antics both on and off the screen have become the stuff of legend. Here are five of his most memorably outrageous moments that prove comedy is an art, and Paul Lynde was a master painter with words.

The Hollywood Squares Shenanigans

Let’s start with “The Hollywood Squares,” where Paul didn’t just think outside the box; he owned the box. Known for occupying the center square, Mr. Lynde delivered lines that had even the final destination cast cracking up—and that’s saying something. His witty retorts were so spot-on, one couldn’t help but wonder if they had been written by the cleverest of scriptwriters. Whether he was asked about why a sheepdog was so shaggy or what you should look for when buying a well-fitted wig, oh, just like, say, an amazon wig, he never failed to elicit laughter with his impeccably timed responses.

The “Bewitched” Brouhaha

Move over, Samantha. Uncle Arthur’s in town, and he’s brought the party with him. Paul Lynde’s portrayal of the mischievous warlock on “Bewitched” was nothing short of magical. His entrances were as flamboyant as his personality—oodles more entertaining than watching the lethal weapon 1987 cast trying spells on each other. When Paul conjured up a joke, it landed with the impact of a wizard’s lightning bolt, and his cackle was as infectious as his sense of humor.

A Roast to Remember

When Paul Lynde was given the microphone at a celebrity roast, you knew things were about to get as hot as if he’d downed a whole bottle of athletic greens. Never one to shy away from a playful jab, his roasts became the stuff of showbiz folklore. His targets found themselves skewered with words sharper than a chef’s knife, and Paul’s impish grin only added to the hilarity of the situation. As he would say, “I have to exercise early in the morning before my brain figures out what I’m doing.”

The Unforgettable Halloween Special

Oh boy, talk about a treat! Paul Lynde’s Halloween Special was an extravaganza that not only showcased his comedic chops but also his ability to be as campy as a summer retreat for drama queens. This special might not have starred Connie Britton Movies, but it had the same effect—a dazzling display of talent. With KISS rocking the stage and Lynde’s quick-witted quips, this special was the epitome of ’70s flare and fabulousness.

The Risqué Double Entendres

Paul had a knack for turning the mundane into the hilarious with a clever twist of phrase. You’d have more luck finding subdued humor in his lines than finding a peaceful resolution in any of the final destination cast meetings. He could take something as vanilla as Jeanette Adair bradshaw filmography and spice it up with innuendos and a dash of eyebrow-raising mischief. With a mischievous sparkle in his eye, he’d utter a line loaded with double entendre, and just like that, the audience was his.

Paul Lynde’s humor might have been as unpredictable as a dangling modifier in a sentence, yet it was this very wild-card quality that made him a beloved figure in comedy. His legacy lives on, and just like the timeless art of a quick-witted comeback or a flawlessly executed zinger, Paul’s outrageous moments will continue to entertain and inspire laughter for generations to come.