Issa Rae Takes a Screenshot Every Time She’s an Answer in the “New York Times” Crossword: ‘I Feel Honored’ (Exclusive)

Issa Rae Excited to Find Herself as Answer in ‘NYT’ Crossword

Issa Rae, the talented actress and creator, is thrilled every time she stumbles upon her name as an answer in the renowned New York Times crossword puzzle. The star of the hit show Insecure shared exclusively with PEOPLE that she makes sure to capture the moment by taking screenshots whenever she encounters herself as a clue in the puzzle. Rae, who is currently promoting her role in the highly anticipated Black Mirror season 7 on Netflix, expressed her delight at being a recurring figure in the crossword.

Growing up, Rae’s mother was an avid crossword enthusiast, instilling in her a love for the puzzle. The actress sees being a crossword answer as an honour, hoping that people perceive her as an easy answer. Rae also mentioned that her co-star Natasha Rothwell is also a fan of puzzles and often shares the screenshots with her, adding to the fun of the experience.

After gaining popularity with her performance as President Barbie in Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film, Barbie, Rae’s career has been on an upward trajectory. The success of Barbie has opened doors for Rae, leading her to prominent projects like The Lovebirds, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and American Fiction. Reflecting on her journey, Rae acknowledges the significance of Barbie in her career, referring to it as a catalyst for her success.

Joining the cast of the dystopian anthology series, Black Mirror, for its seventh season was a notable achievement for Rae. The season also marked a reunion for Rae and Tracee Ellis Ross, who co-starred in different episodes of the series. Rae expressed her excitement at working alongside Ross again and eagerly anticipated watching her episode. The camaraderie between the two actors was evident, further showcasing their bond on and off-screen.

Rae and Ross previously collaborated on the comedy series A Black Lady Sketch Show, where Rae served as an executive producer before making an appearance in the show’s fourth season finale. Despite the show’s cancellation after four seasons, Rae acknowledges the platform it provided for talented women in the industry. She praised the series for showcasing diverse talent and offering unique opportunities to its cast members.

Reflecting on the success stories that emerged from A Black Lady Sketch Show, Rae commended creator and star Robin Thede for her keen eye for talent. The show served as a launchpad for various actresses who have since gone on to work on prominent TV shows. Rae expressed gratitude for her time on the show and reminisced about the valuable experiences it provided.

As Black Mirror season 7 continues to captivate audiences on Netflix, fans can witness Rae’s stellar performance in the thought-provoking series. With her unwavering talent and growing list of accomplishments, Issa Rae remains a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. Fans eagerly await her future projects and eagerly anticipate seeing her name pop up in crossword puzzles as a reminder of her enduring legacy in Hollywood.