Pat Paulsen was an American actor and comedian known for his unique deadpan humor and satirical style. He gained fame through performances on television shows like “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour” and his own comedic presidential campaigns.
Personal and Family Life
Pat Paulsen was born on July 6, 1927, in South Bend, Washington, to Beulah Inez and Norman Inge Paulsen. He had three children: Justin, Terri, and Monty from his first marriage to Betty Jane Cox. Paulsen was married three times, with his last wife being Noma Littell Henriques, whom he married in 1990.
Career Highlights
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and working various jobs, Pat began his comedy career in the late 1950s, performing in clubs and establishing a comedic partnership with the Smothers Brothers. His presidential run in 1968 served as both entertainment and social commentary, earning him recognition and a special Emmy Award. He later had his own show, “Pat Paulsen’s Half-a-Comedy Hour,” though it struggled to find an audience.
Death and Legacy
Pat Paulsen passed away on April 24, 1997, at the age of 69 from pneumonia after battling colon cancer for 18 months. His impact on comedy and satire remains significant, and he was celebrated for his contributions, receiving the Mark Twain Award from the International Platform Association.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Auntie Lee’s Meat Pies | 1992-10-21 | Minister |
| Night Patrol | 1984-11-16 | Officer Kent Lane |
| Fore Play | 1975-03-01 | Norman |
| Ellie | 1984-05-12 | Sheriff Pete |
| Harper Valley P.T.A. | 1978-07-02 | Mr. Harper |
| They Still Call Me Bruce | 1987-05-01 | Psychiatrist |
| Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour | 2002-12-04 | Self (archive footage) |
| Where Were You When the Lights Went Out? | 1968-06-19 | Conductor |
| A Walking Tour of Sesame Street | 1979-03-01 | Self (archive footage, uncredited) |
| Brand X | 1970-05-18 | President |
| The Jackie Bison Show | 1990-07-02 | (voice) |
| Pat Paulsen for President | 1968-10-20 | Pat Paulsen, Presidential Candidate |
| Sanford and Son | 1972-01-14 | |
| The Wild Wild West | 1965-09-17 | Bosley Cranston |
| The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour | 1967-02-05 | |
| Get Smart | 1965-09-18 | |
| The Monkees | 1966-09-12 | |
| The Smothers Brothers Show | 1975-01-13 | |
| The Carol Burnett Show | 1967-09-11 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |
| Dinah! | 1974-10-21 | Self |