Issa Rae is proud every time she spots her name in the New York Times crossword, and she’s not shy about showing it. The Insecure creator says being a crossword clue is something that still feels surreal – especially since it hits close to home.
“My mom always did crosswords when I was growing up,” Issa told People. “So every time I see my name in a puzzle, I take a screenshot. I’m like, ‘Oh wow, that’s me!’”
Issa Rae added that her friend and co-star Natasha Rothwell, who’s also a big crossword fan, often sends her the puzzle screenshots too. And yes, she loves that people might think of her as an “easy answer.”
“I feel honored every single time,” she said.
Her crossword appearances have definitely increased since she took on the role of President Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. “That movie was the catalyst for so many things,” she said. “So I’m not surprised.”
Issa Rae is also stepping back into the spotlight with her role in the latest season of Black Mirror, appearing in a different episode than her friend Tracee Ellis Ross. The duo previously acted together in American Fiction, and Issa’s already hyped to see Tracee’s performance. “It was a coincidence we’re both in it, but I’m excited to watch her episode,” she said.
She even has her eye on another reunion – with Abbott Elementary creator Quinta Brunson. Issa thinks it’s time for a full A Black Lady Sketch Show reunion. “Tell Quinta to cast all of us,” she joked. The HBO sketch series, created by Robin Thede, was where many of these powerhouse women got their start.
“Robin had an eye for talent,” Issa said. “So many women from that writer’s room are now doing big things.”
Despite her long list of successes – from Spider-Verse to Emmy noms – Issa isn’t slowing down. She recently admitted on the Archetypes podcast that she still tackles every job like it could be her last. “I’ve never been satisfied. That hunger just stays in me,” she said.
Have you spotted Issa in a crossword yet?
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