Paul Lynde Interview (August 9, 1978)

Persons Appearing: Paul Lynde, Film(s) Discussed: Charlotte's Web, Lynde is in Atlanta to perform in the play THE IMPOSSIBLE YEARS at Theatre of the Stars. Discusses touring, students, Hollywood Squares, movies, comedians he admired, and being a voice in the animated CHARLOTTE'S WEB.

[@2008PLS]

Paul was such an original talent. His characters and reactions had a way to make you laugh. Seemed like such a down to earth person as well. RIP

[@notveryiconic_username5854]

I’m only 17, but Paul Lynde is my absolute favorite star. I wish I got to meet him or see him live.

[@kelseymathias3881]

I met him, very nice man and appreciative of his fans!

[@notveryiconic_username5854]

@kelseymathias3881 that’s incredible. He sounds like the best!! My dad is gonna drive me to see his grave and pay my respects, so I guess I will “sort of” meet him. Gone too soon for sure.

[@kelseymathias3881]

@@notveryiconic_username5854 Yes, I was really lucky to meet and talk with Paul at Hollywood Squares taping in 1971; in San Francisco when he had a radio interview before the premiere of The Paul Lynde Show, and at a taping of his show in Jan. '73. I also was in the audience of a Carol Burnett Show taping when Paul was a guest in' 71. I was sort of a shy teen then, but he was so kind and easy to talk to. Now that I'm approaching 70, I wish I had a way-back machine to travel back and meet him again! This time I would not be so shy. Best wishes on your trip to Paul's grave. I know his spirit will be there to greet you and your dad.

[@notveryiconic_username5854]

@@kelseymathias3881 that is absolutely amazing!! I’m so jealous!! I’m so glad to hear you have such amazing memories. I hope to make great memories within my lifetime as well. :))

[@kelseymathias3881]

@@notveryiconic_username5854 Thanks...you will make great memories, too, a combination of luck and observation. Always look for the good. Best wishes!

[@paulsummers2640]

He was the best Hollywood Square of all.

[@moorlock2003]

Paul really was THE star of The Hollywood Squares.

[@chocloditelensman]

I was told that all of his zingers were written for him. That’s hard for me to believe.

[@tbecker97204]

And as *"Uncle Arthur"* on Bewitched.

[@edwine.newman2137]

Born and buried in Mt. Vernon , Ohio about 25 miles north of Columbus. My stepfather loved to bet the horses and had a reserved table in the patio area at Scioto Downs. We would often see Paul in the restaurant area of the horse track dining right above us. I would wave at him when he looked down and Paul would wave back with that classic cheesy smile.

[@RMR1]

Even as drunk as he is here, Lynde is still as charming, as humble -- and as entertaining -- as ever. What a gift he had. A sharp wit, perfect timing and that snarky-yet-gentle delivery that so often included thinly veiled references to his homosexuality. Even jokes that would normally fall flat were often hilarious thanks to his comic instincts and self-deprecating quips. What a legend. He quit drinking in 1981 -- sadly, he would die just eight months later. Gone too soon but never forgotten.

[@moorlock2003]

Oh please, where does it appear as if Paul is drunk? What a disrespectful thing to say. Are you trying to be funny? If you are you are failing. Yes, Paul had a drinking problem but he was a professional and wouldn’t do an interview intoxicated. You ought to be ashamed of yourself!

[@lescook9021]

​@@moorlock2003If you have any experience with drunks, you can easily tell he's half in the bag. Not even a question about it. Not a knock on him, just a fact.

[@moorlock2003]

@@lescook9021 Paul was not intoxicated during this interview, not anymore than when he was performing. There was never an occasion when his drinking was a problem when performing. Paul Lynde was a professional all the way who loved and appreciated his legion of fans. He ran into problems on his leisure time, as alcohol turned him from Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde.

[@lescook9021]

@@moorlock2003 Enjoy denial

[@moorlock2003]

No YOU are the drunkard. Paul is not. GOT THAT?

[@cynthiasmith4130]

He is my favorite comedian..I loved him on Bewitched, he was first a driving instructor, for Samantha, then they hired him, as Uncle Arthur!!!! I watch it all the time, and record it also!!! I miss him very much..... 🤣🤣🤣🤣.. ❤❤❤❤.. 💯💯💯....

[@janetlieb2507]

Yes, I ❤ve Uncle Arthur And Bewitched also. Yes. He was a driving instructor.❤

[@SimonKelk]

Loved this interview. It was quite clear you could see Paul was nervous, something he suffered from in all these interviews. It was the best interview of his that I have found. He was able to give insight that I never knew and it was very refreshing.

[@zyxmyk]

i thought maybe he had a drink before he came on. Not enough to be a problem just enough to take the pain away.

[@dontcare9925]

@@zyxmyk yes most certainly

[@tariqrahman5853]

An incredible interview. it reminds me of how good Paul Lynde was and so intelligent.

[@moorlock2003]

This is a wonderful interview with Paul and the fellow asking the questions was very good.

[@henryathurmanjr]

Great interview by Jim Whaley! He made Paul feel comfortable and we were able to hear a lot from him.

[@zyxmyk]

Today is my birthday and every year on my birthday, my wife and I watch SEND ME NO FLOWERS. What a coincidence that he said it was his favorite because we're gonna watch it today. Thanks, Paul Lynde, you were always one of my very favorites.

[@David-kh3xp]

He's had a few drinks before this interview.

[@ricoz2016]

Kinda how it was until he got sober.

[@MrCJ-qz9dl]

I wish the *Paul Lynde Show* had lasted longer than one season. It had the makings of a hilarious program on the same wavelength as *ALL in the Family* ; even better in my opinion.

[@PaulLyndeBlue]

Omg I agree 100%

[@genegjr]

Was the Paul Lynde show on ABC 😮😊

[@MrCJ-qz9dl]

@@genegjr yes...ABC

[@govinda102000]

He was perfect for it and great.

[@johnshelton6434]

I agree and I have no idea what the executive brass at ABC was thinking when they canceled it. He was hilarious in it !

[@user-zu8ob6mm9m]

Love this interview. Loved Paul Lynde.

[@66KIMBLE]

At 6:15 Paul nails it for every performer entertainment or sport. Strong statement that all artists should follow.

[@troybirch]

What a great interview. This interviewer actually lets him talk. The Marilyn Monroe part of the interview is incredible. Unexpected. Great, great find. This is the longest, most insightful interview of the man I’ve ever heard. By far.

[@SueProst]

I loved what he said about Oliver Hardy.

[@PaulLyndeBlue1926]

PAUL LYNDE FOR THE WIN! I LOVE HIM FOREVER & ALWAYS!

[@hailmaryrecordings8255]

I wish he knew how much of an impact he made on people, despite never getting his “big break” He made the most out-of every opportunity & is truly an icon of the 70’s.

[@user-yw9dr4mj5o]

The interview was incredible and a surprise. Paul was so busy making us laugh we never got to see the sensitive side of him in an interview. Who would have ever thought he idolized Oliver Hardy? Or that once upon a time he met Marilyn Monroe? Paul had alot to say and I was glad to hear it. The interviewer added a nice touch.

[@cathyrudolph2801]

i love seeing my friend Paul doing a rare interview. xxx thank u for posting this.

[@troybirch]

Thanks for keeping his memory alive. There must be hundreds of interviews like this to be discovered. Let’s hope someone finds the next “weather report”!

[@nickperkins8477]

He sounds like he was a very kind person.

[@garciadavid582]

Cool interview..Cool to see n hear him out of Characters .👍

[@danielmoose1273]

Such a pleasant and informative interview. The host is so respectful of and toward Paul, and Paul reciprocates beautifully. I can only imagine what I could have possibly said to avoid being just the next face in a long line, but I'm so bitterly sorry that I never had a chance to meet him, if even for a brief moment. Such a warm heart and a beautiful talent ... I miss you, Paul.

[@Prousto]

Millions of American housewives were IN LOVE with Paul. They could never figure out why he never met a nice girl and settled down.

[@user-yw9dr4mj5o]

😂😢😮😅😊😊😊😊😊 I could almost hear you say that in the Paul Lynde tone....

[@Tracey..H]

Lol. He actually is fairly handsome but clearly gay

[@ricoz2016]

Him, Liberace, the list is endless.

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

He was super talented. Miss his energy and work very much. One of the Greats.

[@SueProst]

I love this interview

[@edRush-is6rt]

Paul was misunderstood but man he was so funny! Everyone he worked seem to just laugh so hard at anything he did.

[@TheKatdawg65]

If he had only known he'd still be appreciated more than 40 years after his death.

[@jimburnham4186]

Paul Lynden was the best. He is missed very much

[@genegjr]

Paul played a Doctor in a show called Temperatures rising created by the same person who created Bewitched it was a sitcom

[@jerrysky4598]

Funny, back in the early 80's I won the role of Albert in our H.S. presentation of 'Bye Bye Birdie'. I could act and sing, but Dick Van Dyke was such a prolific dancer in his hey day, our acting teacher & music choreographer really had to get inventive with me on that aspect of the performance.😊 We had alot of fun tho. We traveled to a couple of the elementary schools and performed a condensed version. 1 teacher really liked us visiting and had the kiddies to draw their fave characters or character 2 send to us as a 'thanks 4 coming' gift.Of course 'Rosie' & 'Conrad Birdie' got the most, but 1 little girl drew a picture of me. What a talented drawer, too. She did a such a nice drawing. She wrote something my fave was Albert. It really touched my heart. Never got a chance to say thanks. I think I still have it in my hs scrapbook someplace. Paul was right, when he said a performer has to perform like it was your 1st time all the time. Challenging.

[@818Dimples]

Very nice man in person. I made him laugh. I loved Uncle Arthur.

[@chocloditelensman]

There will only be one Paul !

[@Bixfan78]

I'm glad that he had particular praise for Oliver Hardy, who was a master comedian.

[@paulfoley3222]

What a nice treat!

[@ricoz2016]

Wow. I for whatever reason have been on a mini Paul Lynde kick and this was revelatory as far as showing what a sweet, thoughtful man he was, even with his demons. He really 'got it' as far as why he was as famous as he was. TERRIFIC interview!

[@JCDiamond526]

Loved him on Hollywood Squares

[@jerrysky4598]

Can't imagine meeting Marylin Monroe 1st x in Hollywood. Good insight about her.

[@donpace6405]

Mr Lynde is the Best.

[@52dislikes]

He was wild in THE GLASS BOTTOM BOAT with Dom DeLuise.

[@22bernd1957]

AMAZING. I thought I will only watch 2 or 3 minutes of this, since I like Paul Lynde. He is unique, none like him. But what surprised me how real, how honest, how un-fake he is, unlike so many today. The depth and breadth he has, the well-read-ness of his. He is almost unassuming but his character betrays any simplicity one may want to attribute to him. And Quinton Melson is fantastic, Quentin doesn't want to steal the limelight and is asking some real good and go-deep questions. Entertainment back then was sooo much better then the horrifying shallowness we have today. This was 30 minutes well spent.

[@ricoz2016]

So true!

[@MrValbert59]

Such a humble celebrity.

[@elizabethbrauer1118]

❣ Miss you so much Paul ❣

[@bulletpoints556]

I enjoyed this interview, very talented man but I’m afraid he didn’t have much joy in his life.

[@nickperkins8477]

I remember being very very young and hearing Paul Lynde’s last name. I didn’t know how to spell it and I didn’t even really know what was being said, when his last name was pronounced. The closest I could get at the time was “Paul End.”

[@edwardjohnson9422]

This is great! He seems a little buzzed. 😄

[@gkelly3566]

He's wearing the exact same clothes as he did on carson 2 years earlier.

[@nickperkins8477]

He was 55 years old when he passed away on January 10, 1982.

[@eliranpinhasov5940]

Great interview .

[@JimmyPUnhinged]

Paul, you know by now, but it was Lola Albright that did the movie. (1:25) Love ya brother.

[@nickperkins8477]

I was three years old at the time Paul Lynde passed away.

[@amyyngsdal8982]

Great actor and comedian, surprised how many martinis he had before this interview. It got him through it.

[@dontcare9925]

god he is hammered here! but great to see an interview with him about the real him

[@jansapp]

Lynde is bombed in this interview

[@ashermccord]

Who cares? It doesn’t diminish his genius, that much is clear.

[@CaesarDarias]

He’s certainly not “bombed,” but he definitely took a shot or two and/or a puff before the show.

[@munkustrap2]

Another one 🙄 Lynde may've had something to drink before hand but he wasn't drunk. He was a horrible drunk...vicious, mean & nasty. You would've seen that if he was drunk here.

[@66KIMBLE]

I thought he was very insightful and revealing not bombed

[@knownpleasures]

Nothing wrong with some Dutch courage for a television interview

[@genegjr]

He did the Paul Lynde show 😮

[@charleswinokoor6023]

A couple people have commented that he appears to be intoxicated. If you listen closely you’ll hear him at the start refer to the host as Tom instead of Jim.

[@stephenbabb3805]

I talked with Paul Lynde in a popular gay bar in Columbus,Ohio. It was back in the 70's at the Kismit Lounge. He was quite friendly and unpretentious.

[@divox9pqr]

As far as Monroe was concerned. I think she knew her own value as an artist, but receiving her just rewards as a woman in Hollywood was and continues to be another story.

[@mattdeans9873]

It was Lola Albright

[@MRVISTA-wz7vj]

What a shame he seemed to have so many personal demons bc he really knew his business and even here he articulates the craft very well IMHO. Gone 2 soon. 🎉❤😊

[@JoanDeniseWanner-xg6kf]

Funniest man ever

[@genegjr]

The creator of Bewitched and Tempratures Rising William Asher

[@billthecat666]

What could have been.

[@islewait6107]

😇Luv@Paul😎

[@barbarahourigan8462]

💜

[@PaulLyndeBlue1926]

So he had a doggy named Harry McAfee. Now Alfred Lunt Aww I do the same thing he does is name my animals after famous people

[@timdelph2747]

I would not be surprised if he was hammered. But I am not so sure here.

[@ashdon0813]

What is the music?

[@shellshock638]

20:10 Charlotes web

[@perrysar5954]

I heard everybody loved Paul,and from what I see here,now I know why .......he has NO EGO!

[@socaljarhead7670]

People like Lynde and Charles Nelson Riley were what gays on television and movies looked like.

[@ricoz2016]

Pretty much. But they never PLAYED gay.

[@thomastimlin1724]

the movie had Lola Albright, so Paul was wrong...

[@ricoz2016]

Try telling HIM that (insert Paul Lynde laugh).

[@allangilchrist5938]

Did Liberace have a brother?

[@roadzshow]

Yes, George

[@cle-chi]

Funny, I was thinking he gave off a Liberace vibe myself.

[@marytheresejacksonlutz2533]

Paul acts drunk

[@lukejohnson3048]

He's still sharp as a tack.

[@GarganoA]

Love Lynde but I think he's genuinely drunk here. I've seen a lot of interviews with him but he seems slightly off here. He's still Paul and love his honest answers to the questions but I think he's a little inebriated here.

[@154Slappy]

Unfortunately, he's not acting. He had a bad drinking problem before he finally kicked it.

[@munkustrap2]

Again, for those in the back of the class. Lynde may've had a drink or 2 to take the edge off...he hated being himself, but he wasn't drunk. No way, no how. He was a mean; horrible drunk. He was vicious to everyone, friends included, when he was drunk. Did you see any nastiness here? No? Then stfu! He wasn't drunk.

[@WillScarlet1991]

@@munkustrap2 Yep. Well said.

[@soninoscardelletti2844]

I gotta get over to his grave in Ohio not far from my home. God Bless

[@user-nz8vd7es7k]

Love him LOVE HIM!!! But I think he’s a lil in the bag here…. sigh ❤️

[@Tracey..H]

His mom, dad, brother died of a heart attack early, just like him. Nowadays they have preventative medicine. Rip. He’s a gas!

[@gingermurray]

I read Paul was a mean drunk and a grouch. He was grumpy at Hollywood Squares cuz they’d film quite a few episodes in a row. True?? I like Paul, everything he’s done I’ve enjoyed. I agree with him about Chaplin. I can’t stand Chaplin he was funny neither was Laurel and Hardy. Paul’s hilarious, Movies, Bewitched, Squares, etc…Most comedians I’ve read are shy and introverted. Unhappy people that’s why they wear the clown 🤡 Awesome interview

[@Tracey..H]

They say he could be very cruel and sweet too. Jeckal and hyde

[@munkustrap2]

Unfortunately yeah, he was a mean, nasty drunk. I've never heard about being grumpy at Hollywood Squares though.

[@ricoz2016]

He was a tortured alcoholic but away from it, like so many alcoholics he was sensitive and kind. Reminds me of Bill Holden in that regard, both left us too soon.

[@hectorleonardo-h3r]

A great actor PAUL .. alwais funny and your nice laugh ..😊

[@nightowl5475]

This man is blind drunk!

[@154Slappy]

You noticed that, too? 😅

[@dustyclam]

Wonderful - engaging and enjoyable interview. He is humble and appreciative, especially when he speaks about fandom.

[@kelseymathias3881]

maybe, but also very nervous. I met him, very nice man to his fans.

[@nightowl5475]

@@kelseymathias3881 I noticed that too when he was on the Tonight Show. He's shy. I always like Paul Lynde. He was a good guy.

[@kelseymathias3881]

@@nightowl5475 Yes, he was a good guy...a gay man in a time that didn't accept different lifestyles like today. He did the best he could. He was just born too soon. He would have been happier and healthier if he lived today. Healthier if he didn't smoke...I have one of his "Kool" cigarettes on which he wrote "PL" in blue felt pen.

[@chrisbellomo2763]

I think he’s a bit drunk. Sad really.

[@kathleenquinn5140]

He sounds like he’s drunk

[@RMR1]

He is. He had a pretty bad drinking problem for much of his adult life. He quit in 1981 -- sadly, it was just seven or eight months before his death.

[@marilynwagers786]

Such a brilliant person

[@Sunmoon-gj9gy]

It was Lola Albright