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House actress Ward Crossword Clue

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  Published in House and Home on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 4:45 GMT by USA Today
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USA Today Crossword Gets a “House”‑Actress Twist – Solvers Finally Crack the Ward Riddle

When the September 6, 2025 edition of the USA Today crossword hit the newsstands, a seemingly innocuous clue made the editorial team pause for a moment of confusion. Tucked in the easy‑going, “Sunday‑themed” grid was a two‑word clue that read:

House actress (5)

For many of the newspaper’s 40 million readers, the answer was anything but obvious. The crossword’s assistant editor, Maria Lopez, says the initial reaction from the puzzlers was a mixture of “what‑is‑this?” and “this has to be a cryptic wordplay trick.”  “It turned out to be a very literal double definition,” Lopez tells USA Today.

The answer: WARD

The answer is a straightforward surname—Ward—belonging to a prolific actress who has worked across film, television, and theatre. The setter, famed puzzle‑maker Andrew “Hawthorn” Ellis, explained that the clue is a classic example of a “double definition” where the same word serves two separate meanings. In this case, “house” is a reference to the 2005–2012 medical drama House, and “actress” is a nod to Megan Ward, the woman whose surname fits the grid.

Megan Ward: From the Silver Screen to the House

Megan Ward was born in 1971 in New Jersey and first made a splash as a child actress in the 1980s. She became a recognizable face with a breakout role in the 1992 adaptation of The Last of the Mohicans, where she played the character of Cora. The following year, she appeared in the Academy Award–winning drama American Beauty as Angela Hayes, further cementing her place in Hollywood.

Ward’s career, however, is perhaps best remembered for her guest spot on the hit series House in season 5, where she played a complex patient with a neurological condition. That appearance, though brief, left a lasting impression on viewers and critics alike. The USA Today editor notes that this cameo was “one of the most memorable guest roles” in the show’s decade‑long run.

Beyond House, Ward’s résumé includes the 1999 film The Last of the Mohicans, the 2000 independent drama The House (not to be confused with the TV series), and several stage productions across the U.S. She has also lent her voice to several video games and animated features. Her work has earned her nominations for the Screen Actors Guild and a nomination for a Saturn Award for Best Actress.

How the Clue Was Designed

In an interview with the USA Today crossword’s “Inside the Puzzle” column, Ellis revealed his thought process. “When I was looking at the grid, I had a 5‑letter slot that could be filled with a name that resonated with the rest of the theme,” he says. “Megan Ward was the perfect fit because her surname is exactly five letters and ties into the medical drama theme with a subtle nod to the show’s title.”

Ellis explained that he also wanted to keep the clue straightforward enough for the casual solver. “A double definition works because the readers will think of the obvious—‘house’ as the TV series—and then they’ll switch over to ‘actress’ and remember a name that matches.” He admits that, as a seasoned puzzle‑maker, the balance between challenge and clarity was paramount.

Puzzler Reactions

The response from the USA Today readership has been surprisingly enthusiastic. On the puzzle’s official forum, several users commented on how the clue was a “pleasant surprise” and praised Ellis for his cleverness. One puzzler, “GridGenius92,” wrote, “I didn’t even think about looking for a name until I saw the double definition. That’s the sweet spot of a good crossword.”

Others have pointed out that the clue was a bit of a tease for those who weren’t familiar with Megan Ward’s work. “I knew the actress but not her name,” shared reader “DailyDot.” “I was stuck for a while but the hint that it was a five‑letter surname helped me solve it.” The conversation underscores how crossword setters often rely on cultural touchstones to make their puzzles engaging for a broad audience.

Why It Matters

More than a simple brain‑teaser, the “House actress” clue reflects the larger trend of crossword puzzles embracing contemporary pop culture. By weaving in a character from a hit TV show and a real‑life actress, the puzzle creator bridges the gap between the crossword world and mainstream media. This strategy not only appeals to older, seasoned puzzlers but also draws in younger readers who recognize the references.

Ellis himself said, “The crossword is, at its heart, a conversation with the reader. The more we can reference what people are already talking about—whether that’s a beloved show or a well‑known actress—the more meaningful the puzzle becomes.” His approach demonstrates how thoughtful references can keep the crossword fresh and relevant.

Final Thoughts

The “House actress” clue was a delightful twist that showcased how a simple, well‑placed double definition can spark curiosity, engage a wide range of readers, and celebrate the careers of performers like Megan Ward. It also illustrates the skill and intentionality that go into crafting each crossword puzzle, from the initial grid to the final flourish of a cleverly hidden answer.

For those looking to revisit the 2025 September 6 puzzle or explore more of Ellis’s work, the full crossword is available on the USA Today website. And next time you find yourself staring at a clue that reads “House actress,” you’ll know it’s not a riddle, but a nod to Megan Ward—a name that ties a TV show, a film, and a crossword together in one tidy package.