Voice of 110-Across - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a cross-reference, a common feature in crossword puzzles that links two entries together. To solve this one, you first need to figure out the answer to 110-Across. Once you have that, this clue asks for the name of the legendary performer who gave that character its iconic sound.

Clue Analysis

The clue "Voice of 110-Across" is quite direct, but its solvability is entirely dependent on another entry. The phrase "Voice of" points squarely to a voice actor. The challenge lies in two parts:

1. Solving 110-Across to identify the character.
2. Accessing your trivia knowledge to name the person famous for voicing that character.

Given the answer, we can deduce that 110-Across is almost certainly a famous character from the Looney Tunes universe, such as BUGS BUNNY, PORKY PIG, or DAFFY DUCK.

Thinking Approaches

For a cross-referenced clue like this, a systematic approach is best:

1. Prioritize the Referenced Clue: Your first step should always be to solve 110-Across. Ignore this clue until you have at least a few letters, or the full answer, for the other entry.
2. Make the Connection: Once you've identified the character at 110-Across, think about who is most famously associated with voicing them. For the golden age of Warner Bros. animation, one name stands far above the rest.
3. Use the Crossings: If the name doesn't immediately come to mind, don't panic. Work on the crossing entries for this clue. A few letters, especially the first or last, can be a powerful memory jogger for a proper name.
4. Sound It Out: The answer is a two-part name. Once you have a few letters, say them out loud. Sometimes hearing the partial name is enough to click the full answer into place.

Background Context

The answer refers to Mel Blanc (1908-1989), an American voice actor and radio personality affectionately known as "The Man of a Thousand Voices." He is regarded as one of the most influential people in the history of voice acting.

Blanc was the original voice of an incredible roster of characters, including:

• Bugs Bunny
• Daffy Duck
• Porky Pig
• Tweety Bird
• Sylvester the Cat
• Yosemite Sam
• Foghorn Leghorn
• Barney Rubble from The Flintstones

An iconic (though possibly embellished) story about Blanc illustrates his deep connection to his characters. After a near-fatal car accident in 1961 left him in a coma, he was unresponsive to doctors until one day a neurosurgeon addressed him with, "Bugs Bunny! How are you doing today?" Blanc reportedly answered, in character, "Eh... just fine, Doc. How are you?" He then began responding when addressed as his other characters.

His legacy is cemented not only in his performances but also in his famous sign-off as Porky Pig: "Th-th-th-that's all folks!"

Conclusion

This clue is a wonderful tribute to an animation legend. While the cross-reference adds a layer of difficulty, the answer is a cornerstone of pop culture knowledge, making it a fair and rewarding solve for those who can connect the character at 110-Across to the master who brought them to life.

Hints

1. Hint 1: This person was a legendary voice actor, often called 'The Man of a Thousand Voices.'
2. Hint 2: He was the primary voice for the vast majority of characters in Warner Bros.' Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies cartoons.
3. Hint 3: The character at 110-Across is just one of many iconic roles he played, which also include Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Tweety Bird.
4. Hint 4: His last name is a French word for 'white,' and his first name is a common three-letter male name.

The answer is MELBLANC