Ben Stiller is set to honor his legendary parents with a deeply personal documentary. The 59-year-old actor and director is teaming up with Apple Original Films to produce and direct Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, a film that delves into the lives of his famous parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
A Personal Tribute
In a statement, Ben expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “I feel very fortunate to be partnering once again with the incredible team at Apple TV+, this time on a project that is very personal to me and my family.
It’s exciting to finally get to share it with audiences; and a great honor to celebrate my parents, both as I knew them growing up, and as I’ve come to know them in new ways through the making of this film.”
The documentary will offer a glimpse into Jerry and Anne’s remarkable careers, which shaped both popular culture and their family life. According to Apple’s description, the film explores how “the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred” for the couple.
The Legacy of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara
Jerry and Anne became known for their comedy duo, Stiller and Meara, before each embarking on successful solo careers. Jerry became a beloved actor, starring in iconic shows like Seinfeld and The King of Queens.
Anne’s career also flourished, with notable roles in films such as Awakenings (1990) and TV series like Sex and the City, Oz, and Archie Bunker’s Place.
Ben had the chance to share the screen with his parents over the years. All three appeared in the 1995 comedy Heavyweights, and Anne joined Ben in Night at the Museum (2006). Jerry’s final acting projects included collaborations with his son in Zoolander 2 (2016) and the animated TV movie Zoolander: Super Model.
Family and Personal Reflections
Jerry and Anne tied the knot in 1954, and together they had two children: Amy Stiller (born 1961) and Ben (born 1965). Anne passed away in May 2015 at the age of 85, while Jerry died five years later in May 2020 at the age of 92.
Ben shared his emotions on Today after his father’s passing, expressing happiness that his parents had been reunited in the afterlife: “They found each other and they were there for each other. Not to get too sappy, but I feel like they’re connected again.”
In a 2024 appearance on the Hey Dude…The 90s Called! podcast, Ben fondly recalled his memories with his parents. He spoke about spending time on movie sets with them and being fascinated by the behind-the-scenes work that led him to pursue a career in directing.
Documentary Release Dates
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost will premiere in select theaters on October 17, followed by a release on Apple TV+ on October 24. The documentary promises to give viewers an intimate look at the iconic comedy duo and their impact on both entertainment and family life.
A New Chapter for Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller, who previously worked with Apple TV+ as an executive producer and director on Severance, continues to expand his role in the entertainment industry, bringing his personal story to a wider audience. This documentary promises to be a heartfelt and insightful look at the lives of two beloved stars, as told by their son.
