57 Down

NYT Daily ? September 17, 2025

Actress Palmer of "Nope"

Answer:

KEKE

Hint:

This Emmy-nominated star also voiced a beloved character in the 2021 animated film "Lightyear" and had a breakout role in a 1990s sitcom.

Explanation:

This clue refers to Keke Palmer, the actress who starred in the 2022 horror film Nope directed by Jordan Peele. The answer is simply her first name, "KEKE," which is how she’s commonly known in pop culture. No wordplay here—it’s a straightforward reference to her role in that movie.

More Clues from This Puzzle

5 Down

3 letters

Variety

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Start of a joke

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One might hit it or raise it, metaphorically

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Awakening

General solving tip

A question mark usually flags wordplay or a non-literal reading. Expect a pun, a twist, or a definition that's one step removed from the surface meaning.

More tips → General Hints