Center Square: The Paul Lynde Story

Interesting detailed life story... Too bad they omitted some of the dirty laundry... I could tell you stories Sista! Its a fun read and great for a few laughs...

Center Square: The Paul Lynde Story is the true biography of Paul Lynde, well-known for his three decades of appearances as a character actor on TV, film, and stage. A popular actor known for his portrayal of a gay persona long before Ellen, Rosie, or "Will & Grace", Lynde dared to sneak doses of slanted wit into American living rooms during a noticeably more straight-laced era than today. In addition to Lynde's boisterous professional life, Center Square offers a glimpse into Lynde's tumultuous personal life, including his struggles with alcohol, his ever-changing love affairs, and his notoriously explosive temper. For all his flash, wealth, triumphs, and weaknesses, Lynde stayed true to himself - certainly a feat in Hollywood. Enthralling from first page to last.

Paul Lynde must have been America's greatest comedic actor. He was consumed by immense pain and loneliness while playing the sardonic wit who managed to leave audiences with a smile and wanting more. He is most noted for `Uncle Arthur' on `Bewitched', one of Samantha Stephens's (Elizabeth Montgomery's) relatives who liked Darrin for being himself. He is also famous for being the most popular `center square' on Hollywood Squares, although he was not the original. The sitcom `Bewitched' used a `witch/mortal' plotline to project interracial marriage issues into suburbia on a weekly basis. It's fitting that Lynde also used his guest star episodes to deliver what is now recognized as being queer commentary. I was too young to grasp the in-jokes when catching the episodes, but now see many cleverly placed references---aided by his delivery. However, it's also sad that the 1960's weren't swinging for everybody Because Lynde was from a generation and in an era where gay people were `deviants' he did not accept himself. Like Darrin #2 Dick Sargent, Lynde had to make the inevitable and difficult choice. How much of his real self could he afford to disclose in public? The humor which audiences did see was the end result of Lynd's unenviable internal conflict. It was not easy being Paul Lynde. Internal conflict ultimately led to his substance abuse. Substance abuse problems and his unresolved internal conflicts led to brutish treatment of others and ultimately his early death. Lynde died January 1982 at the age of 55. Lynde had friends (Charlotte Rae, Cloris Leachman) but even they could not help him. He needed to have been able to help himself instead. Normally I'm not a big fan of corporately published books on one person, I tend to think they are too glossy and that I am not receiving the full picture. However, I am making a very big exception with this title. Having existed pre-Stonewall itself, the Advocate had the sensitivity which was needed to give Lynde's memory a truly appropriate tribute. This straight woman can't help wondering what else Lynde could have accomplished in a later time when he would have been able to be himself. My generation tends to take 'coming out' for granted, but the fact that we are able to have these public expressions today saves us a lot of heart ache and internal conflict.

Wow! This book had me enthralled! I had no idea Lynde led such a fascinating life. The book follows Lynde's life from start to finish, but focuses primarily on his performances, and the behind-the-scenes activities that took place while he was working on projects such as "Bye Bye Birdie," "Hollywood Squares," "Bewitched," etc. There are many happy surprises in this book. For example, I had no idea he had been very close friends with Cloris Leachman and Charlotte Rae (Mrs Garrett on "Facts of Life") since they were students together at Northwestern University. What makes this book absolutely fascinating to all is the word-for-word tales of things that happened in his life, as told by people who were there. It is like being there. I think this will be the definitive biography of Lynde, and every library should have a copy of this book about one of America's most important entertainers.

I picked up this book because I always liked Paul Lynde and because I like Bio's. That said, I was very surprised at the quality of the writing and research that went into this piece. Lynde was a much more complex character than I expected. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a good read!