Tampa Crossword King To Appear On 'The Simpsons'
Image from Fox
The Tampa-based Merl Reagle, whose puzzles are carried in major newspapers including The New York Times, has a cameo along with Times puzzle editor Will Shortz.
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Published: November 12, 2008
TAMPA - Crossword puzzle writer Merl Reagle will earn his place in animated pop culture history with a guest appearance on "The Simpsons" at 8 p.m. Sunday on Fox.
The Tampa-based Reagle, whose puzzles are carried in major newspapers including The New York Times, has a cameo along with Times puzzle editor Will Shortz.
"I have two lines, and I may be the least-known celebrity to ever be on the show," Reagle said today.
In the episode, crossword whiz Lisa Simpson competes in a citywide tournament while her dad, Homer, gets tangled up in underground crossword gambling. He eventually turns to Reagle and Shortz for help.
Reagle says his animated likeness looks fine but wishes it had been drawn after he lost 40 pounds this year.
In the works since 2007, the episode was inspired by "Wordplay," an acclaimed 2006 documentary about crossword devotees. The film is a favorite of "The Simpsons" producer James L. Brooks.
Initially, Reagle was asked to create six crossword puzzles that are seen in the episode. "They wanted real puzzles in case any crossword fans were paying close attention," he said, noting that his role was later expanded.
Reagle recorded his two lines at a tiny Tampa studio, taking direction from a dozen writers who were in Hollywood. "I had to say each line about 10 times," he noted.
Producer Tim Long calls the episode the "most crossword-intensive half-hour of television in history. At least I think so. There wasn't a crossword-inspired episode of 'Three's Company,' as far as I can recall."
In connection with the episode, Reagle created a "Simpsons"-related message in the puzzle that appears in this Sunday's New York Times.
Reagle, who can quote lines from 1940s Warner Brothers cartoons, says he appreciates the wordplay in "The Simpsons," like naming a gun shop "Blood Bath and Beyond."
Reporter Walt Belcher can be reached at (813) 259-7654 or wbelcher@tampatrib.com.
