Issa Rae is “so honored” whenever her name is an answer in The New York Times crossword. This recognition in the iconic puzzle represents another milestone in her rising career that has seen her transition from web series creator to Hollywood powerhouse.
“I’ve taken several screenshots every time I do a puzzle and I’m just like, ‘Oh, it’s me, I’m the answer,'” the “Insecure” star is always thrilled to find she’s named in a puzzle because her mom always used to pass the time with the word problem, and she hopes people find her an “easy answer.” The New York Times crossword is completed by people of all ages and backgrounds daily.
She told People magazine: “And then Natasha Rothwell is also a frequent puzzler and she’ll always send me a screenshot. My mom was always doing the crossword coming up, so I feel honored every single time. I hope that people just see me as an easy answer.” Rothwell, who co-starred with Rae in HBO’s critically acclaimed series “Insecure,” has also seen her own star rise in Hollywood.
Issa’s appearance in the crossword grew more frequent after she played President Barbie in Barbie. The blockbuster film became a cultural phenomenon, significantly increasing Rae’s mainstream recognition.
“It’s the catalyst for so many things, so I’m not surprised,” she noted. Crossword appearances are often seen as a measure of cultural relevance, with puzzle creators tracking which names and terms have entered the collective consciousness.
Both Issa and Tracee Ellis Ross star in the new series of “Black Mirror,” albeit in separate episodes, after previously sharing the screen in American Fiction and the 40-year-old actress can’t wait to see her pal in action. The anthology series, known for its dystopian takes on technology and society, has featured numerous high-profile actors throughout its run.
“It was a coincidence. I was just excited and I’m so excited to watch her episode,” she said. The collaboration between these prominent Black actresses highlights the increasing opportunities for diverse talent in premium television projects.
And Issa urged Quinta Brunson to reunite them once more in her show ‘Abbott Elementary’ after the trio previously featured on ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’, which was created by Robin Thede. “Abbott Elementary” has been praised for its authentic portrayal of public education since its debut.
“It’s a testament to Robin’s eye for talent. There are so many women from the writer’s room for ‘A Black Lady Sketch Show’ that have gone on to do amazing things,” she said. The groundbreaking sketch comedy series provided a platform for numerous Black women comedians and writers who have since launched successful careers.
“[The show] was born out of a desire to showcase the best of us and also put us in scenes or sketches that we didn’t get the opportunity to necessarily play in. So I miss it a lot and am just grateful that we had the run that we did… Listen, tell Quinta that right now to cast everybody from Black Lady Sketch Show.” The series ran for four seasons and featured a rotating cast of talented performers.
The ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ star previously admitted she always approaches every job as if it is her last. This animated film featured Rae in a voice role, adding to her diverse portfolio of work across different genres and formats.
She told the ‘Archetypes’ podcast: “I don’t care how settled I may feel in my career, I don’t care how much praise I get. I approach every project thinking, ‘What if I never get to do this again?'” This work ethic has helped Rae transition from her YouTube series “Awkward Black Girl” to becoming a major force in Hollywood as an actress, writer, and producer.
And despite her recent success, Issa insisted she’s never “satisfied” with what she’s achieved. Her production company, Hoorae Media, continues to develop projects featuring diverse talent and stories.
“I’ve never been stagnant, I’ve never been satisfied … that hunger just remains in me,” she said. This drive has led Rae to expand her portfolio beyond acting into producing, writing, and entrepreneurship, including her music label and various business ventures.
From web series creator to crossword puzzle answer, Rae’s journey represents the changing landscape of entertainment and the increasing recognition of diverse talents across multiple platforms and media.
