Ben Stiller is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker born November 30, 1965, who gained fame through comedies including There’s Something About Mary, Zoolander, and Tropic Thunder. His films have generated more than $2.6 billion domestically, making him one of Hollywood’s most bankable comedy stars.
Who Is Ben Stiller?
Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller was born in New York City on November 30, 1965, to comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Growing up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, he was immersed in show business from birth. His parents frequently brought him to television tapings, including The Mike Douglas Show, when he was just six years old.
At age 10, Stiller began shooting films on his Super 8 camera with simple plots where he would get revenge on those who picked on him. This early interest in filmmaking foreshadowed his future career as both actor and director.
His father had Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry from Poland and Galicia, while his mother came from an Irish Catholic background and converted to Reform Judaism after marriage. The family celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas, and Stiller had a bar mitzvah despite not being particularly religious.
Early Career and The Ben Stiller Show
After dropping out of UCLA Film School within nine months, Stiller returned to New York to pursue acting. He landed a role in the 1986 Broadway production of “The House of Blue Leaves” and made his screen debut in Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun in 1987.
In 1989, Stiller joined Saturday Night Live as a writer and performer but left after just four episodes. This brief stint led him to MTV, where he developed “Back to Brooklyn,” which caught the network’s attention.
MTV offered Stiller a 13-episode show in 1990, mixing comedy sketches with music videos and parodies. The show was canceled after one season but revived by Fox in 1992. The Ben Stiller Show featured an ensemble cast including Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, and Bob Odenkirk, with writers Stiller and Judd Apatow earning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing.
Breakthrough as a Director
Stiller saved his money from guest appearances and scraped together enough to make Reality Bites in 1994, a cult classic defining Generation X. The film established him as a serious director capable of capturing cultural moments.
His next major directing project was The Cable Guy in 1996, starring Jim Carrey. While critics appreciated the dark comedy, audiences were less enthusiastic, and the film underperformed at the box office.
Rise to Comedy Stardom
Stiller’s starring role in There’s Something About Mary in 1998, alongside Cameron Diaz, propelled him to widespread fame. He earned $3 million for the comedy, which became a massive hit.
The late 1990s and early 2000s marked Stiller’s transformation into a leading man. He starred in Meet the Parents in 2000 opposite Robert De Niro, which spawned two sequels in 2004 and 2010.
In 2001, Stiller wrote, directed, and starred in Zoolander, a satirical look at the fashion industry. He earned $2.5 million for the role of Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted male model. The film became a cult favorite and eventually received a sequel in 2016.
Major Film Franchises
Stiller built his career around several successful franchises that demonstrated his box office appeal.
He voiced Alex the lion in the Madagascar animated series from 2005 to 2012. The franchise proved incredibly lucrative, with Madagascar 3 alone grossing $747 million worldwide.
Night at the Museum in 2006 became highly popular as a family-oriented adventure where museum displays magically come to life, followed by sequels in 2009 and 2014. The first film earned over $115 million in just 10 days.
In 2008, Stiller directed and starred in Tropic Thunder, a satirical comedy about Hollywood and the Vietnam War. The film featured Robert Downey Jr. in a controversial performance that sparked discussions about race and acting.
Transition to Dramatic Roles
Beyond comedy, Stiller demonstrated range in independent dramatic films. His performances in Noah Baumbach films, including Greenberg (2010), While We’re Young (2014), and The Meyerowitz Stories (2017), showcased his dramatic abilities.
He also appeared in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums in 2001, playing a fiercely protective father. In 2013, Stiller produced, directed, and starred in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which received both box office and critical success.
Television Director and Severance
Since the mid-2010s, Stiller has primarily worked as a television director and showrunner. He directed the Showtime limited series Escape at Dannemora in 2018, marking his first dramatic directing project.
His most acclaimed recent work is directing and executive producing Apple TV+’s Severance, which premiered in February 2022. The psychological thriller follows employees who undergo a procedure separating their work and personal memories.
Severance received 41 Primetime Emmy Award nominations and won for Outstanding Lead Actress and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series. Stiller originally planned to direct only the pilot episode, but chose to direct many more, ultimately directing half of the ten episodes in season two.
In August 2025, Stiller announced he would not direct any episodes of Severance season three to focus on other projects, including a World War II film. However, he remains an executive producer on the show.
Box Office Success and Net Worth
Stiller’s films have grossed more than $2.6 billion in Canada and the United States, with an average of $79 million per film. Globally, his movies have generated over $6 billion at the box office.
Ben Stiller has an estimated net worth of $200 million. His wealth comes from decades of acting, directing, and producing hit films. In 2010, Stiller was the world’s second-highest-paid actor, earning $53 million from three film releases that year.
His production company, Red Hour Productions, founded in 2001, has produced numerous projects, including Zoolander and Severance. The company name references a Star Trek episode, reflecting Stiller’s lifelong passion for the science fiction series.
Personal Life and Family
Stiller married actress Christine Taylor in May 2000. The couple separated in 2017 but reconciled after living together during the COVID-19 pandemic. They have two children together: daughter Ella and son Quinlin.
His father, Jerry Stiller, passed away in May 2020 at age 92 from natural causes, and his mother, Anne Meara, died in 2015 at age 85. Both were members of the famous comedy duo Stiller & Meara, who performed together for decades.
In October 2025, Stiller released a documentary titled “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost” on Apple TV+, examining his parents’ complicated relationship and legacy. The film explores Anne Meara’s struggles with alcoholism and how their comedy partnership affected their marriage and family.
Stiller’s sister, Amy Stiller, has appeared in many of his productions, including Reality Bites, Dodgeball, and both Zoolander films.
The Frat Pack Connection
Stiller has been described as the acknowledged leader of the Frat Pack, a group of actors who worked together in multiple films, including Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Steve Carell, and Paul Rudd.
He earned this distinction through multiple cameos and consistent use of these actors in films he produces and directs. Stiller has appeared most frequently with Owen Wilson, collaborating in 12 films. Despite the label, Stiller has rejected the “Frat Pack” concept, calling it “completely fabricated” in interviews.
Awards and Recognition
Stiller won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for The Ben Stiller Show. He has received three MTV Movie Awards for Best Fight (There’s Something About Mary), Best Comedic Performance (Meet the Parents), and Best Villain (Dodgeball).
In 2009, Stiller received the MTV Generation Award, the ceremony’s top honor. His work on Severance earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series.
Health and Advocacy
In October 2016, Stiller revealed he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in June 2014 and received cancer-free status after surgery in September 2014. He has since become an advocate for prostate cancer screening and early detection.
Stiller was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR in July 2018. He visited Ukraine in June 2022 to meet with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and bring attention to the humanitarian needs of refugees.
He supports numerous charities, including Declare Yourself, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation.
Recent Projects and Future Plans
Stiller appeared in The Nutcracker in 2024, his most recent film role. He reprised his role as Hal L. in Happy Gilmore 2, which premiered in July 2025.
In September 2025, Stiller launched Stiller’s Soda, a beverage brand currently available in New York City. This marks his entry into the consumer products market.
While stepping back from directing Severance season three, Stiller continues developing new projects through Red Hour Productions. His focus has shifted toward more dramatic and meaningful work, moving away from broad comedies that defined his earlier career.
Legacy and Impact
Ben Stiller’s influence extends beyond his box office numbers. He helped launch the careers of numerous comedic actors and writers through his various projects. The Ben Stiller Show alumnus Judd Apatow became one of Hollywood’s most successful comedy producers. Bob Odenkirk went on to star in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul.
His ability to balance commercial success with artistic credibility sets him apart from many comedy actors of his generation. From broad comedies like Zoolander to thoughtful dramas like The Meyerowitz Stories to prestige television with Severance, Stiller has continuously challenged himself creatively.
As both performer and filmmaker, he represents a bridge between old Hollywood (through his parents’ legacy) and modern entertainment. His work continues to evolve, finding new audiences and critical acclaim even as he approaches 60 years old.
FAQs
Ben Stiller was born on November 30, 1965, making him 59 years old as of November 2025.
What are Ben Stiller’s most famous movies?
His most famous films include There’s Something About Mary, Zoolander, the Meet the Parents trilogy, Tropic Thunder, the Madagascar franchise, and the Night at the Museum series.
Who are Ben Stiller’s parents?
His parents were Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, both comedians who formed the successful duo Stiller & Meara. Jerry died in 2020 and Anne in 2015.
Is Ben Stiller still married?
Yes, Ben Stiller is married to actress Christine Taylor. They separated briefly in 2017 but reconciled during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is Ben Stiller’s net worth?
Ben Stiller has an estimated net worth of $200 million, with his movies generating over $6 billion at the worldwide box office.
What TV show is Ben Stiller directing now?
Stiller serves as executive producer and director of Apple TV+’s Severance, which has received critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. However, he announced he won’t direct episodes in season three.
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