Fans of Bewitched know Lynde best as the wise-cracking warlock Uncle Arthur, who was dubbed "The Clown Prince of the Cosmos" by Endora. However, he originally played Samantha's mortal driving instructor, Harold Harold, in episode .. 26, "Driving is the Only Way to Fly." He debuted as Uncle Arthur in episode ..41, "The Joker Is a Card." He appeared as Uncle Arthur in only 9 episodes, yet is one of Samantha's most memorable relatives.

In 1965, Lynde was involved in an accident where a young actor fell to his death from Lynde's hotel room window. The two had been drinking for hours before 24-year old either jumped or fell eight stories. Jim Davidson's death haunted the actor for years, even though the scandal did not ruin his career. This incident did offer insight into the precarious drinking, partying, and gay lifestyle that Lynde enjoyed.

Lynde became a full-time player on Hollywood Squares in the fall of 1968. Although he started appearing on the show during its second week in October 1966, his star rose quickly with this new TV audience and he made double what the other players made. His jokes often had kinky sexual overtones, and his biting remarks were popular with the daytime TV game show audience. He would win two Emmy awards for his role as the center square and this garnered him a new sitcom bearing his name.

Lynde's sad eyes and toothy grin balanced out the personality of this actor. His movie star smile and the charismatic inflection of his voice determined his star quality, but his eyes showed the conflict and pain he must have felt growing up overweight and gay in the Midwest.He overcame his weight problems and was even made an honorary member of Weight Watchers in 1977 for his on-going victory over the obesity of his youth. And not one to bow to the pressures of Hollywood, he was "out" before being out was in. Yet, he never won his battle with booze. He had several outrageous incidents of verbally assaulting people and drunken rages that showed a darker side to Lynde's persona.


In addition to being a comedy legend, Lynde was also a great chef, avid dog lover (pets included Orville, Wilbur, Alfred, and his canine alter-ego Harry McAfee), and enjoyed watching dirty movies in the afternoon and partying with friends every night.