Paul Lynde was hysterically funny but the constraints of a typical sitcom were not for him. I remember watching this show because of how great Lynde was but the show was disappointing and limped through one mediocre season before being canceled. Hollywood Squares was just the perfect format for him. I agree with the comments below. In those days most people didn't really want to know if Lynde was gay. He was hilarious and fun to watch and that was enough.
I think a lot of people don't understand that people's "gay-dar" was a lot less fine-tuned in those days then they are now. We look at Paul Lynde today and it seems obvious to us that he was gay. Back then though, we thought he was just a uniquely funny man with a strange voice inflection PLAYING a "dandy" man. I promise you millions of men and women watched this show and never really caught on that he was a gay man, playing a straight man with a strangely gay inflection.
I agree with your comment about society's "gay-dar" not being so sensitive back then. Rock Hudson would never register, nor would Rip Tailor. Times have sure changed.
@starstarstar42 and years later when u read the bios of the people they worked with ...such as Elizabeth montgmery ...and they all knew without being told...but it didnt matter....and why should it? :)
Templeton the Rat.
shelbielynnVEVO 1 week ago
When will this show be on DVD?
RandolphAgarn1 4 weeks ago
Paul Lynde was hysterically funny but the constraints of a typical sitcom were not for him. I remember watching this show because of how great Lynde was but the show was disappointing and limped through one mediocre season before being canceled. Hollywood Squares was just the perfect format for him. I agree with the comments below. In those days most people didn't really want to know if Lynde was gay. He was hilarious and fun to watch and that was enough.
meanwiddlekid 2 years ago 2
I like him as Uncle Arthur on "Bewitched"
ShaDeed329 2 years ago
I think a lot of people don't understand that people's "gay-dar" was a lot less fine-tuned in those days then they are now. We look at Paul Lynde today and it seems obvious to us that he was gay. Back then though, we thought he was just a uniquely funny man with a strange voice inflection PLAYING a "dandy" man. I promise you millions of men and women watched this show and never really caught on that he was a gay man, playing a straight man with a strangely gay inflection.
starstarstar42 2 years ago 12
I agree with your comment about society's "gay-dar" not being so sensitive back then. Rock Hudson would never register, nor would Rip Tailor. Times have sure changed.
mariachristinagu 2 years ago 3
@starstarstar42 and years later when u read the bios of the people they worked with ...such as Elizabeth montgmery ...and they all knew without being told...but it didnt matter....and why should it? :)
bettypro 1 year ago
Gay, yes. And funny as he was gay.
drivein4 2 years ago 7
Thank you for finally bringing this back! Please don't take this off again!
jeprice08 2 years ago 2
thank you but wasn't paul gay?
seanirishdancer 2 years ago