Paul Edward Lynde, popularly known as Paul Lynde was an established actor, comedian, and game show panellist. Known for his humour and unique personality, Lynde became a household name in the 90s. He made audience laugh through his roles in classic shows like Bye Bye Birdie, Bewitched, and The Hollywood Squares.
Starting his journey in the entertainment industry in 1954, his career lasted for several decades before he passed away in 1982, at the age of 55. Due to Lynde’s popularity, people are curious about his life and career even today. If you are one of them, you have come to the right place.
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Early Life
Paul Lynde was born on 13th June 1926, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, to parents Hoy Corydon Lynde and Sylvia Bell Lynde. He was the fifth of six children in his family. One of his brothers, Coradon lost his life at the young age of 21, in World War II.
From an early age, Lynde showed an interest in performing. After graduating from Mount Vernon High School, he pursued his passion for theatre by enrolling at Northwestern University. During his time there, he attended classes with Claude Akins, Cloris Leachman, Jeffrey Hunter, Patricia Neal, and Charlotte Rae.
Beginning of Career
After completing college, Lynde worked at a few odd jobs before securing the opportunity to appear at Number One Fifth Avenue, a famous supper club. With his amazing comedic skills, he quickly gained recognition in the circuit.
He made his Broadway debut in New Faces of 1952, musical revue that also launched the careers of other talented performers. Later, he was selected to appear in a short-lived sitcom Stanley alongside Carol Burnett and Buddy Hackett.
Shot to Fame
Lynde’s big break came in 1960 when he was cast as Harry MacAfee in Bye Bye Birdie. Soon after, he became a regular guest on various television shows. However, it was his role as Uncle Arthur in Bewitched that solidified his popularity in the industry.
Relationship
Despite his fame, Lynde kept much of his personal life private. He never even discussed his sexual orientation as homosexuality was not widely supported back then. This is the reason, why he kept his romantic relationships out of the public eye. While his on-screen persona was flamboyant, he never acknowledged his sexuality publicly.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
At the time of his death, Paul Lynde’s net worth was around $7 million. The majority of his wealth came from his work in television, film, and theatre. Throughout his career, he worked on several projects to build a massive fortune. His longest-running gig was The Hollywood Squares, which helped him earn a significant amount. He also earned generated a good income from his roles in popular television series, and guest appearances on talk shows.
By the 1970s, Lynde was a rich man. However his extravagant lifestyle and alcohol addiction led to financial difficulties. Despite this, he remained a sought-after artist until he passed away in 1982.
