movie credits include "Under the Yum-Yum Tree," "Beach Blanket," "Bingo," and "The Glass Bottom Boat," all of which were lighthearted. He was also a part of the popular TV shows including "I Dream of Jeanie," "Bewitched," and "The Munsters."
American comedian and actor Paul Lynde circa 1978. | Source: Getty Images
Then came a role that is arguably the highlight of his career. Lynde debuted in "Hollywood Squares," a platform through which he tickled his fans' funnybones for the next 15 years.
Paul Lynde for "For The Reason Of Laughter..." circa November, 1961. | Source: Getty Images
LIFE BEHIND THE CAMERAS
On camera, Lynde was a picture-perfect image of a comedic genius, but much of his personal life was shrouded in mystery. Everybody knew that he was gay, but he never admitted it in public.
"Paul got more letters from women than anyone — and he was a gay man!" his friend Cathy Rudolph shared in an interview with Closer Weekly. She could not stop gushing about how he could bring down the house with his jokes and one-liners.
Paul Lynde appearing in sketch on the ABC tv special "The Paul Lynde Comedy Hour" circa April, 1977. | Source: Getty Images
Lynde always dreamt of becoming a film actor, a career that was still out of his grasp when he was living his best life in Beverly Hills. According to Rudolph, taking his dogs to dog shows was among the many things that he loved. She added:
"He loved having dinner parties and would entertain a couple of times a month. He was proud of his artwork and antiques."
Paul Lynde in "Samantha's Power Failure" circa March, 1969. | Source: Getty Images
WHY HE WAS SO RESERVED
Lynde was a man who did not let many people close to him, and it was not because he did not like them. Rudolph confided that he was not sure if people wanted to be close to him because they liked him or because he had so much money.
After living a dreamy life for 55 years, Lynde died of a heart attack in 1982. He had been sober for two years after letting go of alcoholism. Rudolph is sure that he would still be popular if he were alive today and would have been able to freely accept his sexuality.
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