Have you ever spent your Sunday mornings scratching your head over the New York Times crossword or tuned into NPR’s “Weekend Edition” just to get your puzzle fix from Will Shortz?
If yes, you might have noticed something amiss lately. The man who made puzzling a cool Sunday ritual has been MIA, and the airwaves just haven’t been the same without him.
So, what’s the scoop? Why has our beloved puzzler left us hanging?
You’re not alone if you’ve been wondering where Will Shortz has vanished. I mean, it’s not every day that the king of crosswords decides to take a breather, right?
Well, stick around because I’m about to spill the beans and trust me, it’s a mix of worry and hope.
Yes, Will Shortz, at the age of 71, has suffered a stroke on February 4th, 2024. Since February 11, Greg Pliska has been filling in for him on NPR’s “Weekend Edition.” Shortz is currently in rehabilitation and has expressed optimism about his recovery and return.
The Puzzle of Will Shortz’s Absence Solved
When Will Shortz, the voice and brain behind NPR’s Sunday Puzzle, suddenly went silent, fans were left scratching their heads. Shortz, who’s been a staple in our Sunday routines since 1987, shared on NPR’s “Weekend Edition” that he suffered a stroke on February 4 and has been in rehab since.
“Hey guys, this is Will Shortz. Sorry I’ve been out the last few weeks. I had a stroke on Feb. 4 and have been in rehabilitation since then, but I am making progress. I’m looking forward to being back with new puzzles soon.”
Will Shortz
Ayesha Rascoe, the host of “Weekend Edition,” shared the news with listeners, expressing the collective support and hopes for Shortz’s swift recovery. It’s clear that Shortz isn’t just a puzzlemaster, he’s a cherished friend to many, including his temporary replacement, Greg Pliska.
Pliska, a freelance puzzle maker and long-time friend of Shortz, stepped into the role with grace, acknowledging Shortz’s influence and eagerly awaiting the day they could solve puzzles together again.
Shortz has not only been the voice behind the Sunday Puzzle but also the Times’ crossword editor since 1993, bringing joy to puzzle enthusiasts everywhere.
His contributions to the world of puzzles are unparalleled, from his early days at Games magazine to his role in the 2006 documentary “Wordplay,” which featured famous fans like Bill Clinton and Jon Stewart.
His absence has been felt deeply, not just in the puzzling community but among all who’ve made his puzzles part of their Sunday tradition.
Now, you might be wondering, what does this mean for the future of the Sunday Puzzle, How is Will Shortz doing in his recovery? It’s a waiting game, but if there’s one thing we know about Shortz, it’s that he’s as clever and resilient as the puzzles he creates.
So, what do you think? Will the world of puzzles be the same when Shortz returns?
Source: NPR
