Unveiling Comedy's Hidden Pioneers: The Legacy of Lynde, Reilly, and Taylor

In 1987, David Letterman was entertaining audiences in Las Vegas with his late-night show, attracting rowdy crowds dominated by young men in preppy attire. Among the guests was a peculiar and funny man who had first graced Las Vegas stages back in 1963 – the iconic Rip Taylor. With his flamboyant entrance routine of showering the audience in confetti, Taylor brought a burst of energy to the show, captivating viewers with his unique comedic style. Recently, a new Netflix documentary titled "Outstanding: A Comedy Revolution" has shed light on the history of queer stand-up comedy, showcasing the contributions of several groundbreaking comedians. While the film pays homage to comedians like Robin Tyler, Bob Smith, Rosie O'Donnell, and Margaret Cho, it offers only a fleeting acknowledgment of three influential gay comics – Paul Lynde, Charles Nelson Reilly, and Rip Taylor. Despite not being primarily known for their stand-up acts, Lynde, Reilly, and Taylor were trailblazers in their own right, paving the way for a new generation of comedians who are unafraid to tackle sensitive topics and personal struggles on stage. Unlike contemporary comedians who delve into their traumas and vulnerabilities, these comedic elders kept their performances light-hearted, steering clear of delving into their personal lives due to the societal pressures and prejudices they faced as queer individuals during a time of widespread discrimination and self-hatred. The documentary's brief mention of Lynde, Reilly, and Taylor brings to light the question of why their significant contributions to comedy were not given more prominence. These comedians, shaped by decades of internalized fear and societal rejection, provided a vital link between the past and present of queer comedy, embodying a resilience that deserves recognition and celebration. As audiences today revel in the candid and introspective humor of modern comedians like Hannah Gadsby and Jerrod Carmichael, it is essential to remember the foundation laid by comedians like Lynde, Reilly, and Taylor, who entertained audiences with their dippy yet dark-edged humor in an era when being openly queer was a risk few were willing to take. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the power of comedy to transcend barriers and showcase the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community throughout history.