Will Shortz, America's favorite puzzlemaster, revealed on Sunday's NPR show, Weekend Edition, that he has suffered a stroke.
Fans had noticed Shortz absence from the program and Ayesha Rascoe, the Sunday host, said he had a message he wanted to deliver. Listeners then heard Shortz, his voice a bit shaky.
“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,” Shortz said. “I’m looking forward to being back with new puzzles soon.”
The 71-year-old has been the puzzlemaster on Weekend Edition on Sundays for more than 35 years, transforming the show into appointment listening with his engaging segments of brain twisters, wordplays, and puzzles. He became the puzzle editor at the New York Times in 1993.
Last year, Shortz gave NPR listeners a glimpse into his personal life, when he revealed on Weekend Edition about finding the love of his life and came out as gay.
Guest puzzler Greg Pliska has been filling in for Shortz for the past weeks, leading some devotees to wonder about the whereabouts of Shortz.
Puzzle lovers and supporters of Shortz's work took to social media to wish him a speedy recovery.
"Sending all possible good wishes and hopes for a complete and speedy recovery to both Mr. Shortz and his family," wrote LAist 89.3 listener Jo Pitesky on Facebook. "He’s such an important part of so many people’s lives!!!"
"Getwell soon, Mr. Shortz! We hope you’ll make a full and speedy recovery," said Lionel Mares, another listener.
Sending best wishes to Will Shortz. NPR’s @ayesharascoe just shared on air that he is recovering from a stroke. Speedy recovery from your friends at @nhpr, Will. https://t.co/rvlK2j5BYI
— Jim Schachter (@jimschachter) March 3, 2024
Key word "recovering." I hope the post-stroke path to full capacity is swift for Will Shortz of @NYTGames @officialwpf. I missed the NPR piece but, having survived a stroke in 2011, I hope everyone listening or reading here remembers the core signs and the need for speed. A… https://t.co/7w6OJYQyD5 pic.twitter.com/3H8rIof4Cf
— Andrew Revkin 🌎 ✍🏼 🪕 ☮️ (@Revkin) March 3, 2024
You can send postcards to Weekend Edition, Attn Will Shortz, 1111 North Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20002.
— Ayesha Rascoe (@ayesharascoe) March 3, 2024
