“WLNAJX KSJ YLDDLD….. (Please refer to your newspaper for complete puzzle.)
TODAY’S CLUE: W = C
ANSWER: “COMEDY AND HORROR ARE VERY CLOSELY RELATED. THEY’RE BOTH ABOUT SUBVERTING EXPECTATIONS … TIMING AND TONE.” —ZACH CREGGER
Zach Cregger
March 1, 1981 • 45 years old • American Filmmaker, Actor & Comedian
🎬 From Comedy to Horror
Zach Cregger is an American filmmaker, actor, comedian, and screenwriter known for his work in sketch comedy and horror films. He first gained attention as a founding member of the comedy troupe The Whitest Kids U’ Know before establishing himself as a writer and director of suspenseful, unconventional horror movies.
🎭 Early Life & Comedy
Cregger was born in Arlington, Virginia, and grew up in the Washington, D.C., area. He developed an interest in comedy and filmmaking while young and later studied at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. His comedy career took shape through live performances and collaborations with other young comedians.
📺 The Whitest Kids U’ Know
Cregger helped create The Whitest Kids U’ Know, a sketch comedy group that became a television series in 2007. The show featured absurd situations, sharp satire, and unpredictable humor. He also appeared in television comedies including Friends with Benefits, Guys with Kids, and Wrecked.
🏚️ Breakthrough With Barbarian
In 2022, Cregger wrote and directed Barbarian, a horror film about a woman who discovers disturbing secrets inside a rental house. Starring Georgina Campbell, Bill Skarsgård, and Justin Long, the movie became a critical and commercial success. Its unexpected twists and unusual storytelling helped establish Cregger as a major new voice in horror filmmaking.
🎥 The Success of Weapons
Cregger followed Barbarian with Weapons in 2025, a supernatural mystery involving the unexplained disappearance of 17 schoolchildren. Featuring Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, and Amy Madigan, the film earned strong reviews and became another box office success. Madigan received the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
🎮 Resident Evil & Beyond
In 2026, Cregger expanded his horror career by writing and directing Resident Evil, a new film based on the popular video game franchise. His filmmaking combines suspense, dark humor, and unpredictable stories. From sketch comedy to major studio productions, he has built a career across several different forms of entertainment.