Early Life & Background
- Full Name: Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller (Ben Stiller)
- Born: November 30, 1965
- Birthplace: New York City, USA
- Parents: Comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara
- Education: Attended UCLA but dropped out after nine months to pursue acting and filmmaking.
Career Overview
Ben Stiller is an actor, comedian, writer, director, and producer, best known for his work in both mainstream and indie comedy films.
Early Career (1980s-1990s)
- Started acting in theater and television, including an appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL).
- Created The Ben Stiller Show (1992-1993), which won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing.
- Directed and starred in Reality Bites (1994), his directorial debut.
Breakthrough & Comedy Stardom (1998-2005)
- Rose to fame with There’s Something About Mary (1998), solidifying his status as a leading comedy star.
- Starred in hit films like Meet the Parents (2000) and its sequels.
- Played lead roles in Zoolander (2001), Dodgeball (2004), and Starsky & Hutch (2004).
Continued Success & Iconic Roles (2006-Present)
- Starred in Night at the Museum trilogy (2006-2014).
- Directed and starred in Tropic Thunder (2008), which earned critical acclaim.
- Starred in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013), showcasing his directing and acting skills.
- Played serious roles in The Meyerowitz Stories (2017) and Severance (2022, as director/producer).
Personal Life
- Spouse: Married actress Christine Taylor in 2000 (briefly separated in 2017, reconciled in 2022).
- Children: Two (Ella and Quinlin Stiller).
- Philanthropy: Involved in humanitarian work, including UNICEF and disaster relief efforts.
Legacy & Impact
Ben Stiller is a powerhouse in comedy and Hollywood, known for blending satire, slapstick, and heartfelt storytelling. His contributions as an actor, director, and producer have left a lasting mark on film and television.
