Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller, known worldwide as Ben Stiller, is one of Hollywood’s most recognizable comedic actors and filmmakers. Born on November 30, 1965, in New York City, Stiller has built a career that spans acting, directing, producing, and showrunning, with a legacy deeply rooted in the comedy dynasty established by his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
From slapstick blockbusters like There’s Something About Mary to critically acclaimed television direction on Apple TV+’s Severance, Stiller has evolved from a 1990s comedy icon into a respected dramatic showrunner. His journey reflects a unique ability to adapt to changing entertainment landscapes while staying true to the neurotic, physical humor that made him famous.
Who is Ben Stiller? Biography and Age
Ben Stiller is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker born on November 30, 1965, in Manhattan, New York City. As of 2026, he is 60 years old. His full name is Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller, and he is the second child of comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
Ben Stiller Fast Facts
Key Insights
- Ben Stiller is the son of comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, shaping his comedic style.
- He experienced a career resurgence in the 2020s with the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance, where he serves as director and executive producer.
- Despite a brief separation, Stiller and his wife Christine Taylor reconciled in 2022, maintaining a strong family unit with their two children.
- His net worth derives from blockbuster movies, directing work, and producing, but exact figures are speculative due to private earnings.
- Stiller began performing plays at home and shooting films with a Super 8 camera by age 10.
- He wrote for Saturday Night Live and created The Ben Stiller Show, which won an Emmy Award.
Snapshot Facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller |
| Date of Birth | November 30, 1965 |
| Age | 59 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | New York City, USA |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Christine Taylor (m. 2000–present, separated 2017–2022) |
| Children | Ella Olivia (born 2002), Quinlin Dempsey (born 2005) |
| Net Worth | Approximately $200 million (2025 estimate) |
| Notable Films | Zoolander (2001), Meet the Parents (2000), Night at the Museum (2006), The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013) |
| Current Project | Director/Executive Producer of Severance (2022–present) |
Who is Ben Stiller married to? Family and Father Jerry Stiller
Ben Stiller is married to actress Christine Taylor, known for her roles in The Brady Bunch Movie and Zoolander. The couple married on May 13, 2000. They separated in 2017 but remain married and have not finalized a divorce. The couple reconciled in 2022, as observed from public appearances and statements.
Stiller and Taylor have two children: daughter Ella Olivia, born in 2002, and son Quinlin Dempsey, born in 2005. The family maintains a relatively private life, though Stiller occasionally shares personal moments on social media.
Father Jerry Stiller and Mother Anne Meara
Jerry Stiller (1927–2020) was a legendary comedian and actor, famous for his roles in The King of Queens and Seinfeld. He passed away on May 11, 2020, at the age of 92. Anne Meara (1929–2015) was a comedian, actress, and writer who passed away on May 23, 2015. Together, they formed the comedy duo “Stiller and Meara,” known for their radio commercials for Blue Nun wine.
In 2025, Stiller released a documentary titled Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, honoring his parents’ legacy and their influence on his career.
Ben Stiller’s comedic style was profoundly shaped by his upbringing in New York City, where he began performing plays at home and shooting films with a Super 8 camera by age 10. His parents’ work as a double act directly influenced his approach to satire and physical comedy.
What is Ben Stiller’s net worth?
Ben Stiller’s estimated net worth is approximately $200 million as of 2025. This figure is an industry estimate based on his extensive filmography, directing work, and producing credits. Stiller has not publicly disclosed exact financial details.
Stiller’s films have grossed more than $2.6 billion in the US and Canada, with an average of $79 million per film. His wealth comes from major franchises including Meet the Parents, Madagascar, and Night at the Museum, as well as his work as a director and showrunner on projects like Severance and Escape at Dannemora.
Exact net worth figures for Ben Stiller are speculative. While career earnings are substantial, private investments and undisclosed revenue streams make precise calculation impossible. Estimates are based on publicly available box office data and industry analysis.
What are Ben Stiller’s best comedy movies and directing work?
Ben Stiller is renowned for roles in “gross-out” and neurotic comedies, as well as his work as a director and showrunner. His filmography spans three decades and includes some of the most iconic comedies of the late 1990s and 2000s.
Major Comedy Films
- There’s Something About Mary (1998) – The film that earned him widespread fame.
- Meet the Parents (2000) and Meet the Fockers (2004).
- Zoolander (2001) – He also co-wrote and directed this film.
- Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004).
- Along Came Polly (2004).
- Starsky & Hutch (2004).
- Tropic Thunder (2008) – A satirical commentary on the film industry.
- Night at the Museum series (2006–2014).
- Madagascar franchise (2005–2012).
- Nutcrackers (2024) – His first lead role in 7 years.
- Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) – He reprised his role as Hal L.
Directing & Television Work
Since the mid-2010s, Stiller has primarily worked as a TV director and showrunner. His directorial debut was Reality Bites (1994), followed by The Cable Guy (1996) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013). His television work includes Escape at Dannemora (2018), which earned him a DGA Award and two Emmy nominations.
While Stiller remains best known for comedy films, his focus has shifted significantly toward directing and producing for television since the mid-2010s. This transition culminated in his work on Severance, a critical and commercial success that earned four Primetime Emmy nominations.
What is Ben Stiller’s role in the TV series Severance?
Ben Stiller serves as director and executive producer of the Apple TV+ sci-fi series Severance, which premiered in 2022. The series explores the concept of separating work and home lives through a surgical procedure called “severance.”
Severance earned four Primetime Emmy nominations and has been praised for its original premise, strong performances, and Stiller’s direction. The series marked a dramatic shift for Stiller, who moved from comedy into dystopian science fiction. He continues work on the series, with Season 2 expected to release in 2025/2026.
Key Milestones in Ben Stiller’s Life and Career
- 1965: Born in New York City to Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
- 1985: Made acting debut in The College of Hard Knocks.
- 1992: Created and starred in The Ben Stiller Show, earning an Emmy.
- 2000: Married actress Christine Taylor; starred in Meet the Parents.
- 2001: Directed and starred in Zoolander.
- 2006: Starred in Night at the Museum franchise.
- 2013: Directed The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
- 2017: Separated from Christine Taylor.
- 2022: Reconciled with Christine Taylor; Severance premieres on Apple TV+.
- 2025: Continues work on Severance Season 2 and other projects.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Ben Stiller?
Established Information
- Ben Stiller’s birth date and place.
- Marriage to Christine Taylor and children’s names.
- His parents are Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
- He directed episodes of Severance.
- He starred in Zoolander, Meet the Parents, Night at the Museum.
Information That Remains Unclear
- Exact net worth is an estimate; Stiller has not publicly disclosed financial details.
- The nature of his reconciliation with Christine Taylor is private; details are based on public sightings and statements.
- Future projects after Severance are unannounced.
Ben Stiller’s Impact on Comedy and Modern TV
Ben Stiller emerged from a comedy dynasty and carved his own niche with a unique blend of satire and physical comedy. His directorial work, especially Zoolander and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, showcased his ability to mix humor with visual creativity.
In the streaming era, Severance marked a dramatic shift: a serious, dystopian series that earned Emmy nominations and critical praise. Stiller’s longevity stems from adapting to changing media landscapes while staying authentic to his comedic roots.
Sources and Notable Quotes
“For the last 46 years, it has been my privilege to work alongside countless talented artists and crews to create these characters, stories, and films for you.”
— Ben Stiller on X (Twitter), autobiographical post
“Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller was born on November 30, 1965, in New York City, New York, to legendary comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.”
— IMDB Biography
“Known for his blend of slapstick humor and sharp wit.”
— Wikipedia
What’s next for Ben Stiller?
Ben Stiller continues to work on Severance Season 2, expected to release in 2025/2026. He has hinted at potential new film directorial work, possibly a comedy project. A memoir or documentary appearances are also possible given his family legacy. For more on fellow comedians, read the full biography of Larry David – Biography, Net Worth, Wife and Career in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ben Stiller have children?
Yes, he and Christine Taylor have two children: daughter Ella Olivia (born 2002) and son Quinlin Dempsey (born 2005).
How did Ben Stiller start his career?
He began performing as a child in his parents’ comedy acts, later creating The Ben Stiller Show in 1992, which earned an Emmy.
Is Ben Stiller active on social media?
Yes, he has official accounts on Instagram (@benstiller) and X (formerly Twitter, @BenStiller) where he posts about projects and personal moments.
What is Ben Stiller’s height?
He is approximately 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) tall.
What awards has Ben Stiller won?
He has won an Emmy (for The Ben Stiller Show) and multiple MTV Movie Awards; he received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Severance.
Who is Jerry Stiller?
Jerry Stiller (1927–2020) was Ben Stiller’s father, a comedian and actor best known for roles in The King of Queens and Seinfeld.
What is Ben Stiller’s net worth in 2025?
His estimated net worth is approximately $200 million, though exact figures are private and based on industry analysis.
What is Ben Stiller’s role in Severance?
He is the director and executive producer of the Apple TV+ series Severance, which premiered in 2022 and earned four Primetime Emmy nominations.
Who is Ben Stiller’s wife?
He is married to actress Christine Taylor, known for The Brady Bunch Movie and Zoolander. They married in 2000 and reconciled after a separation in 2022.
Is Ben Stiller related to Larry David or Rob Schneider?
No, Ben Stiller is not related to Larry David or Rob Schneider, though they have all worked in comedy. For more, see Rob Schneider – Full Biography, Net Worth, and Family.
Freddie Harry Cooper Bennett is a staff writer for DailyPressUK.co.uk, covering UK news, politics, business and culture. He works under Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Whitmore and UK Managing Editor Eleanor Grant, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.