MEL

Set to 52 different clues across 77 published puzzles, most often “Sportscaster Allen” — The New York Times, Wednesday, 25 June 2008.

3 letters

Every clue on record, most used first

Sportscaster Allen7 times
The New York Times — Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Funnyman Brooks5 times
The New York Times — Monday, 23 November 2009
Actor Gibson5 times
The New York Times — Sunday, 2 July 2006
Country singer McDaniel5 times
The New York Times — Wednesday, 18 April 2001
Florida senator Martinez2 times
The New York Times — Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Football Hall-of-Famer Hein2 times
The New York Times — Saturday, 26 August 2006
Football Hall-of-Famer Blount2 times
The New York Times — Friday, 4 August 2006
Brooks of "The Producers"2 times
The New York Times — Monday, 15 August 2005
Gibson of "Braveheart"2 times
The New York Times — Monday, 29 September 2003
Brooks or Allen2 times
The New York Times — Thursday, 13 July 2000
Ott or Gibson2 times
The New York Times — Tuesday, 28 May 1996
TV diner employer of 9-Downonce
The New York Times — Saturday, 29 January 2011