ReCall: Paul Lynde

With all this recent talk of being "vaguely gay" and Out magazine going for a "Bowie gay" vibe versus a "Cher gay" one, we thought we'd revisit some of the forefathers of faggotry. The queerest of the queer, so to speak, the ones who set off smoke detectors every time they walked by they were so flaming. Our first celebrated gay is none other than Paul Lynde...the center square peg in a boring round world. With his braying laugh, bitchy barbs and terrible double entendres, he was a equally adored and reviled. He was everyone's gay Uncle Arthur, and fey-ed up televison way before Sean Hayes ever minced across the screen.

Here are some choice Lynde-isms from Hollywood Squares[source]:
Peter Marshall: What is a pullet?
Paul Lynde: A little show of affection...

Peter Marshall: Paul, true or false. Nylon is stronger than steel?Paul Lynde: But steel panties don’t turn me on!

Peter Marshall: What do you call a man who gives you diamonds and pearls?
Paul Lynde: I'd call him "darling"!

and from IMDb:

Peter: Paul, Smokey the Bear warns children about forest fires. What does Mr. Yuck warn them against?
Paul: GIRLS!

Peter: Paul, how many balls are there on a billards table?
Paul: Depends on how many guys are playing.