Actress Pflug - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Actress Pflug," is a classic example of a proper name clue that tests a solver's knowledge of pop culture from a specific era. This type of clue can be a quick fill for those familiar with the person, but a significant roadblock for others. It's a great reminder of how crucial crossing letters can be.

Clue Analysis

The clue is straightforward: it asks for the first name of an actress with the surname "Pflug." There's no wordplay or trickery involved. The difficulty lies entirely in the solver's familiarity with this particular actress. The surname "Pflug" is quite distinctive, which helps confirm you're on the right track, but the first name is the required answer.

Thinking Approaches

For a clue like this, solvers typically use one of two main strategies:

1. Direct Recall: If you're a fan of 1970s cinema or television, the name might pop into your head immediately. Her most famous role is quite iconic, so if you've seen the film MASH*, you might recognize the name.

2. Relying on Crossings: This is the more common approach for many solvers. Since the name might be obscure, the best strategy is to fill in the surrounding clues first. The letters in the answer are all very common (J, O, A, N), which means you can often piece the name together letter by letter. Once you have a few letters like _ O A N _ or J O _ _ N, you can make an educated guess. The double 'N' at the end is a slight curveball but is a valid spelling for the name.

Background Context

The actress in question is Jo Ann Pflug, an American actress prominent in the 1970s. Her most memorable role was as Lieutenant Maria "Dish" Schneider in Robert Altman's 1970 satirical war film MASH*. This role, though not a lead, was significant and made her a recognizable face.

Beyond MASH*, she also appeared in films like Where Does It Hurt? (1972) and had a recurring role on the television series The Fall Guy in the 1980s. She was also a frequent panelist on game shows and co-hosted the TV show Candid Camera for a time. For crossword constructors, she's a useful entry because of her name's letter combination and specific cultural reference point.

Conclusion

"Actress Pflug" is a solid trivia clue that rewards solvers with a deep well of pop culture knowledge. For the rest of us, it serves as a perfect lesson in the power of the grid itself. Don't be discouraged by names you don't know; trust the process, fill in what you can, and let the crossing letters guide you to the answer.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This actress was most prominent in film and television during the 1970s.
2. Hint 2: She is well-known for her role in a classic 1970 satirical war film directed by Robert Altman.
3. Hint 3: In that film, she played the character Lieutenant "Dish".
4. Hint 4: Her first name is a common one, though this particular spelling is less frequent than others.

The answer is JOANN.