| 100% | DICKFRANCIS | 11 | British crime writer and former steeplechase jockey known for his novels about 46-Across (2 wds.) |
| 37% | TOMMYJOHN | 9 | Pitcher who's known for his successful elbow surgery and played to age 46, in 1989: 2 wds. |
| 37% | GORDONRAMSAY | 12 | British celebrity chef known for his temper who hosts 14-Across and 26-Across (2 wds.) |
| 35% | JAMESBLISH | 10 | Sci-fi writer known for his "Cities in Flight" series and his "Star Trek" novels with 17-Across (2 wds.) |
| 35% | GORDONRAMSAY | 12 | British chef known for his temper, who appears as host or judge in shows like "MasterChef" and "Hell's Kitchen": 2 wds. |
| 34% | STEPHENKING | 11 | American gothic writer known for his works like "It" and "The Shining" that were adapted into movies: 2 wds. |
| 34% | MRT | 3 | 1980s actor known for his Mohawk and gold chains: 2 wds. |
| 33% | JACKSONPOLLOCK | 14 | American abstract expressionist painter known for his "drip technique" and "action painting": 2 wds. |
| 33% | DEFOE | 5 | Daniel —, English writer known for his novel about Robinson Crusoe |
| 33% | CHARLESDARWIN | 13 | British scientist known for his theory of evolution: 2 wds. |
| 32% | SHERLOCKHOLMES | 14 | Detective portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., who is known for his unmatched observation and deductive skills: 2 wds. |
| 32% | JIMTAYLOR | 9 | Former Green Bay Packers NFL player, known for his aggression, and is considered one of the greatest running backs ever: 2 wds. |
| 32% | AGATHACHRISTIE | 14 | British author known for her murder mystery novels: 2 wds. |
| 31% | ALFRANKEN | 9 | Minnesota senator and former "SNL" writer who swears he's not running for President in 2020: 2 wds. |
| 30% | JANEHARPER | 10 | 18-Across and 33-Across writer whose novel "The Dry" won the British Book Award for Crime & Thriller Book of the Year 2018 (2 wds.) |
| 30% | EDGARALLAN | 10 | American author ___ Poe, best known for his mystery poetry and short stories, most of whose works got published after his death: 2 wds. |
| 30% | IVANPAVLOV | 10 | Psychology pioneer known for his work in classical conditioning (and for his dogs): 2 wds. |
| 30% | NORMANROCKWELL | 14 | American illustrator and painter known for his Saturday Evening Post covers: 2 wds. |
| 29% | EDGARALLANPOE | 13 | American gothic writer known for his works like "The Raven" and "The Tell-Tale Heart": 3 wds. |
| 29% | PHILIPWHEELER | 13 | Miami Dolphins linebacker known for his long hair: 2 wds. |
| 29% | GORDONRAMSAY | 12 | Reality show host known for his explosive temper: 2 wds. |
| 29% | HPLOVECRAFT | 11 | American gothic writer known for his works like "The Shadow Out of Time" and "The Dunwich Horror": 3 wds. |
| 29% | RAINBOWROWELL | 13 | 15-Across and 46-Across writer whose third "Simon Snow" novel was published in 2021 (2 wds.) |
| 29% | ELMORELEONARD | 13 | Crime writer whose 1990 novel is the inspiration for 13-Down: 2 wds. |
| 29% | CHRISJOHNSON | 12 | Tennessee Titans running back known for his long hair: 2 wds. |
| 29% | TROYPOLAMALU | 12 | Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety known for his long hair: 2 wds. |
| 29% | SIMONCOWELL | 11 | An American Idol judge known for his cutting remarks: 2 wds. |
| 29% | OSCARPETERSON | 13 | Jazz pianist from Canada known for his 1950s trio: 2 wds. |
| 28% | IAN | 3 | Writer Fleming known for his spy novels |
| 28% | RICHARDAVEDON | 13 | Photographer known for his fashion pictures in Vogue: 2 wds. |