Pat Paulsen Age, Height, Quotes, Movies & TV Shows

Patrick Layton Paulsen (July 6, 1927 – April 25, 1997) left an indelible mark as an American comedian and satirist, gaining prominence for his roles on several of the Smothers Brothers television shows and his unforgettable satirical campaigns for President of the United States spanning from 1968 to 1996.

Early Life and Education

Born in South Bend, Washington, on July 6, 1927, Paulsen was the son of Beulah Inez and Norman Inge Paulsen, a Norwegian immigrant. The family later moved to California, where he graduated from Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley in May 1945. After a stint in the U.S. Marine Corps and various jobs, including truck driving and gypsum mining, he pursued education at San Francisco City College.

Career in Comedy

Paulsen’s journey into comedy began as a solo act, showcasing his comedic guitar skills in clubs across the West Coast and New York City. His path intersected with the Smothers Brothers during an appearance in San Francisco, leading to his role on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, which premiered in 1967. Initially hired for his cost-effective songwriting and errand-running, Paulsen’s deadpan, double-talk editorial comments on contemporary issues thrust him into the national spotlight, earning him an Emmy Award in 1968.

His comedic prowess extended beyond television, with guest appearances on The Monkees and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Notably, he headlined his series, “Pat Paulsen’s Half a Comedy Hour,” in 1970.

Paulsen’s love for theatre saw him star in numerous plays, becoming a business partner in Cherry County Playhouse in 1976. Over the years, he featured in 24 different productions, displaying his versatility in works like The Fantasticks, The Odd Couple, Harvey, and The Sunshine Boys.

Political Campaigns

A pivotal moment in Paulsen’s career occurred when CBS refused to air a political ad disclaimed by him on The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. This incident sparked the launch of satirical presidential campaigns characterized by humour, deliberate misinformation, and tongue-in-cheek attacks on major candidates. Running on slogans like “Just a common, ordinary, simple saviour of America’s destiny” and “United we sit,” Paulsen’s campaigns, though grounded in comedy, included insightful social commentary.

His name appeared on the ballot in multiple primaries, with notable instances in 1996, where he secured 921 votes in the New Hampshire Democratic primary, and in 1992, where he outperformed real politicians in the North Dakota Republican primary.

Pat Paulsen Age

How old is Pat Paulsen? Pat Paulsen was born on July 6, 1927 and died on April 25, 1997.

Pat Paulsen Height

How tall was Pat Paulsen? Pat Paulsen stood at a moderate height.

Pat Paulsen Quotes

Here are some notable Pat Paulsen quotes:

1. “I’ve upped my standards. Now, up yours.”
2. “I’m not a vegetarian because I love animals. I’m a vegetarian because I hate plants.”
3. “I have left orders to be awakened at any time in case of a national emergency—even if I’m in a cabinet meeting.”
4. “Half the lies they tell about me aren’t true.”
5. “Television is a medium because anything well done is rare.”
6. “I want to keep my attractiveness as long as I can. It has a shelf life, you know.”
7. “The Democrats are the party that says government will make you smarter, taller, richer, and remove the crabgrass on your lawn. The Republicans are the party that says government doesn’t work and then they get elected and prove it.”
8. “I’ve never been drunk, but often I’ve been overserved.”
9. “In America, anyone can become president. That’s one of the risks you take.”
10. “If elected, I will win.”

Movies & TV Shows

Here are some of the notable movies and TV shows featuring Pat Paulsen:

Movies:

1. Night Patrol (1984): Paulsen co-starred in this comedy film, playing a role in a cast that included The Unknown Comic.

Television Shows:

1. The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour (1967-1969): Paulsen gained widespread recognition for his role on this variety show, earning an Emmy Award in 1968. He initially served as an editorialist, delivering deadpan commentary on current issues.
2. The Monkees (1968): He made a guest appearance on the popular TV series “The Monkees” in the episode titled “Monkees Watch Their Feet,” portraying the Secretary of National Defense.
3. The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Paulsen was a frequent guest on Johnny Carson’s iconic late-night talk show.
4. Sesame Street (1969-1970): Paulsen appeared in a series of comic skits during the inaugural season of Sesame Street.
5. Pat Paulsen’s Half a Comedy Hour (1970): He headlined his own series, which ran for 13 weeks on ABC. The first show featured guests such as former Vice President Hubert Humphrey and an animated Daffy Duck.
6. Play It Again, Sam (1971): Paulsen performed in this play at Cherry County Playhouse in Traverse City, Michigan.
7. Various Appearances: In addition to the above, Paulsen made appearances on shows like “The Wild Wild West” (1968), “Get Smart” (1970), and others.