Paul Lynde was featured in the tactically important center square throughout most of the show 's original run. In 1968, after two years on the show, Lynde became the regular center square. Lynde 's outrageous jokes helped him win two daytime Emmy Awards both in 1974 and 1978. He left the series after taping the August 20 -- 24, 1979 week of shows, but returned when the series relocated to Las Vegas for the 1980 -- 81 season.
who sat in the middle square on hollywood squares
Paul Lynde