I feel now it’s useless to keep hoping. The way things are today, we live in a world that needs laughter, and I’ve decided if I can make people laugh, I’m making a more important contribution.

I think basically an actor is a salesman.

My father was adamant in his disapproval of my interest in show business.

I don’t know who the hell Paul Lynde is, or why he’s funny, and I prefer it to be a mystery to me.

An actor shouldn’t undergo psychoanalysis, because there are a lot of things you’re better off not knowing.

The whole romantic part of my life was a wipeout. I didn’t even own a belt.

Mothers don’t want to pinch me or put me in their purse.

When I said I didn’t have a cent, I didn’t. I used to get annoyed with people who said they were broke when they had five dollars.

My dad was a ham, too. He could sell those women anything. Of all his sons, I was the only one he could trust to sell as well as he could. I was proud of that.

Someday I’m going to go onstage in a dress if I want to.

The dining room in my old house was truly magnificent, but by far the worst room for conversation. I’d get up from the table, a very long table, and somebody would always say, Paul, I never got to talk to you.

My table seats eight, so that’s my maximum. Having a small number of guests is the only way to generate good conversation. Besides, your whole house doesn’t get wrecked that way.

It was the worst moment of my life. The producer came up and talked me back into going on stage.

Sandwiches are wonderful. You don’t need a spoon or a plate!

I was obsessed with being rich and famous.

My kitchen is not a place to live in. I made it white so I can tell instantly if it’s not clean-and I like it clean enough to be able to eat off the floors-or the tables, for that matter.

A room is like a stage. If you see it without lighting, it can be the coldest place in the world.

I wish I had the nerve not to tip.

My sisters said, Why do you make those faces? You make yourself so ugly.

Politicians… talk in generalities and lies, and I think they’ve caused all our grief. They’re so awful, they’re really funny. I hate thinking this because my dad loved politics.

If I ever completely lost my nervousness I would be frightened half to death.

The doctor’s name was Sylvia. I told her she’d have a problem with me because Sylvia was my mother’s name.

I laughed all the way through Love Story.

I can’t even get three weeks off to have cosmetic surgery.

I’m Liberace without a piano.

Food was a constant topic of conversation in our household.

Comedy is exaggerated realism. It can be stretched to the almost ludicrous, but it must always be believable.

I have this beautiful antique silver wine decanter that I bought at an auction. I always pour wine from that.

I feel now it’s useless to keep hoping. The way things are today, we live in a world that needs laughter, and I’ve decided if I can make people laugh, I’m making a more important contribution.

I don’t understand why people don’t remember my name.

I don’t always prepare such rich meals. Sometimes I’ll just serve a simple quiche, salad and dessert for dinner. During the week I try to eat lightly.

If I hadn’t become a celebrity, I’d probably be an alcoholic.

I sang in the choir for years, even though my family belonged to another church.

I have an ulcer. It has an IQ of 185.

If I’m not working, I don’t know what to do.

My following is straight. I’m so glad.

Learning lines is on my mind until I do know them. I’ll read the paper or paint the house to keep from starting to memorize. I’ve never found an easy way.

A closet full of wire hangers can be the most dangerous place in the world.

I often go on a liquid fast a couple of days a week. I never take just water. Instead, I’ll have maybe six glasses of vegetable and fruit juices a day.

I may find something that looks interesting and then go on to alter the recipe by adding spices, things of my own. I also look for time-saving recipes, dishes that can be prepared ahead and stored.