Ben Stiller

American actor, writer, and director

Also known as: Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller

Written by John M. Cunningham

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated: Dec 15, 2024 • Article History

Quick Facts

In full:: Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller

Born:: November 30, 1965, New York City, New York, U.S. (age 59)

Awards And Honors:: Emmy Award (1993); Emmy Award (1993): Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program

Notable Works:: “Escape at Dannemora”; “Severance”; “The Cable Guy”; “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty”; “Tropic Thunder”; “Zoolander”; “Zoolander 2”

Notable Family Members:: father Jerry Stiller; mother Anne Meara

Movies/Tv Shows (Acted In):: "Locked Down" (2021); "Hubie Halloween" (2020); "Arrested Development" (2005–2019); "Brad's Status" (2017); "The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected)" (2017); "Haters Back Off!" (2016); "Maya & Marty" (2016); "Don't Think Twice" (2016); "Zoolander 2" (2016); "Another Period" (2015); "Big Time in Hollywood, FL" (2015); "Workaholics" (2015); "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb" (2014); "While We're Young" (2014); "Burning Love" (2012–2013); "The Birthday Boys" (2013); "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" (2013); "The Watch" (2012); "Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted" (2012); "Eagleheart" (2012); "Tower Heist" (2011); "Funny or Die Presents..." (2011); "Little Fockers" (2010); "Megamind" (2010); "I'm Still Here" (2010); "Phineas and Ferb" (2010); "Greenberg" (2010); "The Marc Pease Experience" (2009); "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" (2009); "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" (2008); "Tropic Thunder" (2008); "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (2004–2007); "The Heartbreak Kid" (2007); "Night at the Museum" (2006); "Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny" (2006); "School for Scoundrels" (2006); "Danny Roane: First Time Director" (2006); "Extras" (2005); "Madagascar" (2005); "Meet the Fockers" (2004); "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy" (2004); "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004); "Envy" (2004); "Starsky & Hutch" (2004); "King of the Hill" (2004); "Along Came Polly" (2004); "Duplex" (2003); "Liberty's Kids: Est. 1776" (2002–2003); "Undeclared" (2002); "The Simpsons" (2002); "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001); "Zoolander" (2001); "Meet the Parents" (2000); "Keeping the Faith" (2000); "The Independent" (2000); "Black and White" (1999); "Mystery Men" (1999); "The Suburbans" (1999); "Permanent Midnight" (1998); "Your Friends & Neighbors" (1998); "There's Something About Mary" (1998); "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist" (1998); "Zero Effect" (1998); "Friends" (1997); "The Larry Sanders Show" (1997); "NewsRadio" (1996); "Mr. Show with Bob and David" (1996); "The Cable Guy" (1996); "Flirting with Disaster" (1996); "If Lucy Fell" (1996); "Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man" (1995); "Heavyweights" (1995); "Reality Bites" (1994); "Frasier" (1993); "The Ben Stiller Show" (1992); "Highway to Hell" (1991); "Stella" (1990); "Next of Kin" (1989); "That's Adequate" (1989); "Fresh Horses" (1988); "Empire of the Sun" (1987); "Miami Vice" (1987); "American Playhouse" (1987); "Hot Pursuit" (1987); "Kate & Allie" (1986)

News •

New ‘Meet the Parents’ in the Works With Robert De Niro, Ben Stiller Returning for Universal • Dec. 11, 2024, 6:07 AM ET (The Hollywood Reporter)

What to stream: Michael Fassbender spies, yacht rock doc, Ben Stiller, the Beatles and Lindsay Lohan • Nov. 25, 2024, 12:01 AM ET (AP)

Ben Stiller (born November 30, 1965, New York City, New York, U.S.) is an American actor, writer, and director, one of the leading movie stars of the early 21st century, known for his comic portrayal of neurotic or aggrieved characters. Stiller was the son of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who for many years were a celebrated comedy team. While growing up, he occasionally appeared on television with his parents and made his own amateur Super-8 films, which often parodied blockbusters of the time. In 1983 Stiller enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, but dropped out less than ...(100 of 792 words)

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