Who Are Ben Stiller’s Parents? Learn All About Comedy Legends Jerry Stiller And Anne Meara

As I delve into the captivating lives of Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, I am struck by their remarkable journey and the indelible mark they left on the world of comedy and acting. Their story is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a couple who found each other and were there for each other through thick and thin.


As a devoted fan, I’ve always admired the incredible career of Ben Stiller in Hollywood. He brought joy to my childhood through his hilarious roles in films like Zoolander and the memorable Night at the Museum. But have you ever wondered about the people who raised such a talented individual? If so, let me share with you that Ben Stiller’s parents are Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were not just renowned for their acting abilities but also for their successful careers in comedy. It was they, these esteemed figures, who bestowed the comedic gene upon the actor from The Marc Pease Experience.

Back in the groovy ’60s, I found myself utterly smitten by the dynamic duo, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara – a power couple when it came to comedy. Known as Stiller & Meara, they graced both the stage and small screen with their infectious humor, making appearances on legendary shows like The Ed Sullivan Show, and more!

Simultaneously, they were well-known for their separate careers. Jerry Stiller became recognized for portraying George Constanza’s father in Seinfeld, while Anne Meara gained fame on numerous TV shows and films like Sex and the City, Archie Bunker’s Place, among others.

If the brief details about Ben Stiller’s parents have piqued your interest, there’s much more to uncover!

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara met in 1953 and tied the knot in 1954

1953 saw Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara crossing paths for the first time, not just anywhere but in a casting office nestled within the bustling cityscape of New York. This tale, I must say, is nothing short of captivating.

According to The Washington Post, it was said that the casting director did not choose Anne after their meeting. Moved by her apparent distress, Jerry Stiller invited her out for a coffee.

On their way to the restaurant, Anne asked Jerry to pilfer a collection of cutlery for her home. What’s amusing is that Jerry indeed took them, adding an unexpected twist to their otherwise ordinary outing.

Back in 1977, Jerry openly confessed to PEOPLE that the girls didn’t seem interested in him during his college years. However, he emphasized that it was Anne who encouraged him to remain true to himself.

Jerry expressed, “Why not simply be yourself?” He added, “In just two months, we got married.” Despite their wedding taking place in 1954, Ben Stiller shared that Anne realized Jerry was her match immediately after their initial coffee date.

Ben Stiller’s parents welcomed two children

In September 1961, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara became parents to a girl named Amy Stiller. Four days afterwards, on November 30, 1965, they also had a son, Ben.

The comedy duo Stiller & Meara broke to save their marriage

In the ’60s, Stiller and Meara were a popular comedy pair. They made numerous appearances, totaling over 36, on various sketch programs like The Ed Sullivan Show.

In Jerry’s own words, shared with PEOPLE, he said, “Anne is the love of my life, but if I relied on her for my career, I stand to lose her as my spouse.

“I didn’t know where the act ended and our marriage began,” Anne Meara added.

Anne Meara was nominated for multiple awards

After the separation of Stiller & Meara, Anne’s acting career flourished. She graced both TV series and movies with her presence, simultaneously pursuing her passion for comedy.

In the 1970s, Kate McShane gained recognition when she starred in her own TV series. Subsequently, her outstanding performance in 1976 earned her a Primetime Emmy nomination.

The subsequent year, Anne earned a nomination for a Golden Globe due to her performance in the sitcom Rhoda. Later in the 1980s, she was nominated twice more for an Emmy for her portrayal of Veronica Rooney on Archie Bunker’s Place.

In 1984, Meara received a Writers Guild of America Award, recognizing her as a co-writer for the TV film “The Other Woman” that was produced in 1983.

Jerry Stiller starred in Seinfeld

In the 1990s, Jerry Stiller struggled after his separation from Stiller & Meara. He made appearances on game shows during this time, admitting that he was grappling with the knowledge that his wife was thriving.

From 1993 to 1998, Jerry took over the character of George Costanza’s father on Seinfeld, a role he assumed following a previous handover.

After receiving a Primetime Emmy nod in 1997, I found myself contemplating a step back from acting. However, it was Kevin James who persuasively suggested I join the cast of The King of Queens. From 1998 to 2007, I embraced the role of Arthur Spooner on this beloved show.

Jerry and Anne have appeared in movies with Ben Stiller 

Ever since their unforgettable debut together in 1987’s Hot Pursuit, there’s nothing that makes my heart race quite like seeing Ben Stiller and his pops on the big screen! From the catwalk of Zoolander to numerous other films, I can’t get enough of their magical chemistry.

Additionally, Ben Stiller teamed up with his mother in the movie Night at the Museum, and they were all part of the cast in Heavyweights. Furthermore, Amy Poehler joined this trio in the film Highway to Hell.

Anne Meara died in May 2015 and Jerry Stiller died in 2020

It was on May 23, 2015, when Anne died at the age of 85. 

In a conversation with Parade, Ben shared, “Her absence is a persistent challenge for me. Life seems to be going smoothly, and then suddenly, it feels as if she’s gone – that’s the tough part I have to deal with.

Five years from then, on May 11, 2020, Jerry, aged 92, sadly passed away. Luckily, his loved ones, Ben and Amy, had the chance to stay with him until the end of his life.

Ben Stiller about his parents

In the May 2020 edition of the Today show, after the demise of his father, Ben expressed, “They reconnected and supported each other,” emphasizing that his parents had reunited.

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2024-10-21 14:38