Witherspoon of “A Wrinkle in Time” - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

This clue is a classic example of a pop culture trivia question, common in modern crossword puzzles. It asks for the first name of a well-known actress, identified by her surname and one of her film roles. For most solvers, this will be a quick and satisfying fill.

Clue Analysis

The clue, "Witherspoon of 'A Wrinkle in Time'", is structured as a fill-in-the-blank. The solver is given the last name, Witherspoon, and a specific credit, the 2018 film "A Wrinkle in Time". The task is to supply the first name that completes the identity of this person. The answer is a very famous A-list actress, making this a straightforward knowledge check.

Thinking Approaches

1. Direct Recall: The most direct path to the answer is simply recognizing the name. Reese Witherspoon is a household name, and many solvers will instantly know her first name upon seeing her last name.

2. Contextual Association: If the movie "A Wrinkle in Time" doesn't immediately bring her to mind, the solver can focus on the surname "Witherspoon." In the context of Hollywood actresses, this name is almost exclusively associated with one person. From there, you can access your mental file of her other, perhaps more famous, roles like "Legally Blonde" or "Wild" to retrieve her first name.

3. Using Crossings: If you're drawing a blank, don't panic. Crossword puzzles are designed with interlocking answers. Getting even one or two letters from intersecting clues (the crosses) can be enough to jog your memory. For a five-letter name, an initial 'R' or the double 'E' in the middle would likely be enough to solve it.

Background Context

Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon, known professionally as Reese Witherspoon, is an American actress and producer. In the 2018 Disney adaptation of "A Wrinkle in Time," she played the celestial being Mrs. Whatsit. While this role is notable, she is arguably more famous for her Oscar-winning portrayal of June Carter Cash in "Walk the Line" (2005) and her iconic role as Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde" (2001). Her name is a frequent and friendly sight in crossword grids.

Conclusion

This clue serves as a perfect entry point into a puzzle, especially for those familiar with contemporary film and television. It rewards general pop culture knowledge and demonstrates the value of recognizing common names that appear in crosswords. When you see a clue structured as "[Last Name] of [Work]", you can be confident you're looking for a first name.

Hints

1. Hint 1: The clue asks for the first name of a famous American actress.
2. Hint 2: This actress won an Academy Award for her role in the film “Walk the Line.”
3. Hint 3: She is also well-known for starring in the movie “Legally Blonde” and the TV series “Big Little Lies.”
4. Hint 4: Her first name is famously associated with a popular brand of peanut butter cups.

The answer is REESE.