'Simpsons' Spells F-A-M-E For Tampa Crossword King
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Published: November 13, 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.
Tampa-based Reagle, whose puzzles are carried in newspapers such as The New York Times and regional sections of The Tampa Tribune, 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 Wednesday.
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 said 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 said.
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 Sunday's New York Times.
Reagle said 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.
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