Paul Lynde

From watching Lynde and subsequent funny folk from various iterations of Hollywood Squares, I think they absolutely did.

I also think they would show the celebs what answer to say to the contestant, even if the celeb knew what the right one was. You could see it on their faces sometimes.

Meaning, sometimes they'd want the celeb to say the WRONG answer, just to give the contestant something to disagree with.

You could see him reading lines off of cards.

I've often wondered about this. Lynde was a quick-witted queen, so I think some of his answers were his own.

Yes, the one-liners were pre-written.

This was common knowledge, even back in the day.

They even had a disclaimer at the end of the show that celebrities were given the questions ahead of time (so they or writers could come up with funny lines).

AI response:

Writers of Paul Lynde’s Jokes on Hollywood Squares The jokes (often called “zingers”) delivered by Paul Lynde as the iconic center square on Hollywood Squares (1966–1980, with Lynde prominent from 1968–1979) were primarily written by the show’s professional writing team. Specific individual writers for Lynde’s material are not prominently credited in historical accounts, as the zingers were collaboratively crafted to fit the format’s blend of scripted humor and improvisation. However, the process was systematic, and Lynde had significant input. Below is a breakdown based on production details. The Writing Process for Zingers • Team Effort: The show’s writers developed the questions and corresponding joke answers in advance. Co-creator Merrill Heatter oversaw assignments, ensuring zingers suited each panelist’s style—Lynde’s were tailored for his snarky, double-entendre delivery with veiled nods to his closeted homosexuality. Cards with questions were sequenced under host Peter Marshall’s desk in bins labeled by star, while the real answers (for gameplay) were separate. • Pre-Show Prep for Panelists: Stars like Lynde received a numbered list of potential joke answers (but not the questions) before taping, allowing them to memorize or glance discreetly. This maintained the illusion of spontaneity, complying with post-1950s quiz show scandal regulations against full scripting. A disclaimer was read each episode: Stars were “briefed on possible ‘bluff’ answers” but heard questions live. • Lynde’s Role: While not the primary writer, Lynde improvised or substituted ad-libs frequently due to his quick wit, contributing to about 50% of compiled zingers in books like Zingers from Hollywood Squares (1974, compiled by Gail Sicilia). Early in his career, he wrote his own material (e.g., his 1960 album Recently Released), but on the show, he relied on the team while adding personal flair. Some panelists (e.g., Joan Rivers, Mel Brooks) skipped lists entirely for full improv. Key Sources and Credits • Head Writers/Production: Early seasons were produced by Heatter-Quigley Productions; writers aren’t individually listed in credits, but the team included comedy specialists focused on topical, risqué humor. (Later revivals, like 1998–2004, had named head writers such as Bruce Vilanch and Kim Wells, but not for Lynde’s era.) • Insights from Insiders: Peter Marshall’s memoir Backstage with the Original Hollywood Square (2002, co-authored with Adrienne Armstrong) details the system, noting its “ingenious” balance of prep and surprise. Marshall emphasized writers’ role in avoiding giveaways while fueling Lynde’s star power—ratings dropped after his 1979 exit, prompting his return. In essence, no single “joke writer” is credited exclusively to Lynde; it was a team operation amplified by his delivery. For examples, classics like “Why do Hell’s Angels wear leather? Because chiffon wrinkles too easily” showcase the writers’ campy edge, polished by Lynde. If you’re seeking specific zinger origins, compilations like Sicilia’s books attribute them collectively.

OP Thinks "reality TV " is real. Everything on these shows is scripted .

OP

R7, it was a game show, not reality TV, it didn't exist back then. So the OP was probably going on the assumption a Game Show might not actually be rigged.

[quote] it was a game show, not reality TV, it didn't exist back then.

How soon they forget.

-[R6] I do remember that but he was also a quick wit. I loved the old game shows still watch them. I love Charles Nelson Reilly and his ribbing of Gene Rayburn

[quote]Did someone give him his one-liners

Nooooo. I always run my own line before I snort it. I'm not sharing my Hollywood pile with ANYone.

R11 He was a drunken nasty queen. Like most actors he was as witty as a gas pump when not reading a cue card written for him by a witty WRITER.

Always find it hilarious that frau for brains R11 think actors are actually the personas they portray on screen.

Peter Marshall: "Paul, you're America's Favorite fruit. What are you?"

Paul Lynde: "Humble.".

Me, too, R11.

People here don't realize that the willing suspension of disbelief is one of the necessities for watching any television, including the news.

It was a game show, but the contestants were playing the game, not the celebrities.

R16 especially your news Memaw