Crossword Puzzles in Pop Culture: Books, Movies, and More

The Role of Crosswords in Classic Literature and Novels

Ever since their creation in the early 1910s, crosswords have played a key role as literary devices across novels and classic literature in the years since. They’ve rarely been the central theme but instead are often used as metaphors, intellectual challenges, or even as plot devices. A big example of that is in Vladimir Nabokov's "Pale Fire," where the crossword puzzle, in that case, is meant to symbolize the bigger picture via hidden meanings and wordplays across the novel.

Another example is from Agatha Christie's "The A.B.C. Murders" which features a crossword-loving detective. They’re not the only authors as Georges Perec is well known for incorporating crossword-like structures into his novels. However, while history is filled with examples, the trend has been in the opposite direction with classic literature and novels often being used as clues in crosswords.

That has almost always been the case ever since the puzzle became popularized, with literature often considered to be the easiest source and widely available source of clues alongside world news. So much so, that William Shakespeare's plays and other literary classics are often considered to be standard clues for many crosswords even in the modern age.

Crossword References in Famous Movies and TV Shows

While crossword puzzles have appeared in novels and classic literature, they’re more famously known for appearing in TV shows and movies over the years. That is especially after the Second World War as movies became a popular entertainment source for people. Thus, over the years, crosswords have made numerous appearances on both the big and small screen, serving as character traits, plot devices, and more to add a little more depth to the character or the scene.

Here are a few examples:

TV Shows

• Friends: In an episode, Rachel completes the New York Times crossword on her own, an achievement she celebrates at Central Perk.

• The Simpsons: Featured in the episode "Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words," Lisa enters a crossword tournament after realizing her talent for solving them.

• 30 Rock: During an episode in the show, Jenna Maroney shows Liz Lemon a People magazine crossword that features her name as a clue in the puzzle.

• Seinfeld: In a now iconic scene, George used a crossword puzzle as a part of his plan to act busy during work hours, even showing his frustration when his pen stopped working.

Movies

• Wordplay: While not a fictional film, the documentary explores the world of crossword puzzles and crosswords, with appearances from Jon Stewart and even Bill Clinton.

• Duplicity: In this thriller film, crossword puzzles are used as a method of communication between spies.

• The Last of Sheila: A 1973 film, this mystery thriller uses crosswords as a central device to the plot as characters need to solve word games to uncover clues related to a murder.

Celebrities Who Love Crosswords and Their Puzzle Influence

Ever since their creation, crossword puzzles have captured the minds of people and that includes some of the world’s most famous personalities and celebrities alike. So much so, that crosswords have become a daily pastime for many with the digital age and smartphones making things even easier for solvers. That combined with the boom in popularity that crosswords enjoyed during the late 2010s and early 2020s, has seen them thrive with more and more celebrities enjoying a daily puzzle.

Here are a few names that love crosswords:

• Bill Clinton: The former US President is a renowned lover of crosswords even appearing in a documentary titled Wordplay about them.

• Jon Stewart: Much like Clinton, Stewart is also well known for his love for the New York Times crossword and also appeared in the same documentary as the former US president.

• Hugh Jackman: The Wolverine actor has often shown fans his passion for solving crosswords via social media.

• Emma Watson: The Harry Potter star is a well-known fan of word games, especially jigsaw puzzles and she’s even mentioned in an interview that they are one of her favorite pastimes.

• Queen Elizabeth II: Much like Watson, the late monarch loved jigsaw puzzles and was even a member of the British Jigsaw Puzzle Library.

Themed Crosswords Based on Pop Culture Icons and Events

While some solvers prefer the classic crossword format, themed crosswords have become very popular over the last few decades. That’s because themed crosswords offer players a unique combination of entertainment and wordplay, something that the classic crossword can’t match. The New York Times, amongst other publications, is well known for creating one or two themed crosswords over the week.

These include a now-famous crossword collaboration between Weird Al Yankovic and constructor Eric Berlin which resulted in a cheese-themed puzzle that had movie-related puns. The clues included “FETA ATTRACTION”, "A FEW GOUDA MEN" and many more. Another example is also a puzzle by Ben Pall, where he paid tribute to pop culture icons from before his time.