Actor Kieran of “Succession” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Actor Kieran of “Succession”," is a straightforward pop culture reference that tests your knowledge of recent, highly acclaimed television. If you were a fan of the HBO drama about the dysfunctional Roy family, this answer likely came to you in an instant.

Clue Analysis

The clue is a simple "fill-in-the-blank" style question. It provides two key pieces of information:

1. The actor's first name: Kieran
2. His most famous project: “Succession”

The puzzle is asking for the actor's surname. There's no wordplay or trickery here; it's a direct test of trivia knowledge. The quotation marks around "Succession" signal that it's the title of a work.

Thinking Approaches

There are a few ways a solver might arrive at the answer:

1. Direct Recall: The most common path for this clue. "Succession" was a cultural phenomenon, and Kieran's portrayal of the acerbic Roman Roy earned him an Emmy and a Golden Globe. For many, the name "Kieran Culkin" is a single, memorable unit.

2. Family Association: If the name "Kieran" doesn't immediately trigger the answer, the surname might be accessible through another route. The family name is famous, primarily due to Kieran's older brother, Macaulay, the star of the Home Alone films. A solver might think, "Which famous acting family has a son named Kieran?" and land on the correct answer.

3. Using Crossings: If you're unsure, getting a few letters from intersecting clues is a great strategy. The distinctive 'LK' in the middle or the initial 'C' would be powerful triggers for a solver who has the name on the tip of their tongue.

Background Context

Kieran Culkin is an American actor who has been acting since childhood. While he had notable roles in films like Igby Goes Down and Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, his fame skyrocketed with his role as Roman Roy in the HBO series Succession (2018-2023). His performance was widely praised for its wit, vulnerability, and comedic timing, making him a household name for a new generation.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a great example of how contemporary pop culture has become a staple of modern crossword puzzles. It's a fair and direct clue that rewards solvers for keeping up with popular media. For those familiar with the show, it's a welcome and easy entry point into the grid.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This actor is part of a well-known acting family.
2. Hint 2: His brother was a famous child star in the 1990s, known for a classic Christmas movie.
3. Hint 3: The family name is shared by brothers Macaulay, Rory, and Kieran.
4. Hint 4: He played the character Roman Roy in the HBO series mentioned in the clue.