Actor and filmmaker Ben Stiller, known for growing up in a household of famous comedians, recently returned to the Stern Show to discuss his new documentary, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost. The film explores the lives and legacy of his late parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and offers an intimate look at the complexities of their careers and family life. Stiller shared how his experience growing up amid stardom shaped both his opportunities in Hollywood and his understanding of the personal costs fame can bring.
Insights Into the Realities of Living as a Child of Stars
In his interview, Stiller spoke candidly about the challenges he observed while growing up around his parents’ careers. He described witnessing the pressure and strain that fame placed on relationships, which gave him an early awareness of show business beyond the glamour. Despite seeing this “dark underside,” he admitted it didn’t deter his own ambition to pursue comedy and entertainment.
“Growing up around it — and we talk [in the movie] about all those things I saw with my parents — you actually as a kid see the dark underside of it. The stress. The effect it has on relationships,”
Ben Stiller said during the conversation.
“You see that up close as a kid and you still want to go into it.”
Making the Documentary as a Personal Journey
At 59, Stiller explained that creating this documentary was not only a tribute to his parents but also a reflective experience about himself. He touched on the passion that drove both his parents and himself toward comedy.
“If you have the passion you do it,”
he remarked, attributing his desire to carry on the comedic tradition to his family’s influence.
Diverse Topics Covered During the Interview
Ben Stiller’s lengthy appearance with Howard Stern covered various subjects beyond the documentary. He discussed his forthcoming role in Focker In-Law, the upcoming sequel to Meet the Parents, where he works with pop star Ariana Grande. Stiller also talked about his recent entrepreneurial project, Stiller’s Soda, created with actor Justin Theroux, aimed at playfully mocking celebrity-endorsed products.
“The fun of it is to kind of make fun of celebrity brands, make fun of ourselves,”
Stiller explained his motivation behind the venture.
Ben’s Passion for the New York Knicks and NBA Updates
An avid fan of the New York Knicks, Stiller spoke about the team’s recent performance in the NBA and the coaching changes that followed their playoff exit last season. Though disappointed by the departure of coach Tom Thibodeau, he expressed excitement about the fresh energy surrounding the organization.
“He was great … I loved Tibbs, I loved his emotion,”
Stiller said of the former coach.
“It was tough that he was let go that way, but at the same time I think this new situation is exciting for the Knicks … and there’s like a new energy there now.”
Even after many years of attending games courtside at Madison Square Garden, Stiller described his enduring enthusiasm for the sport and the players, noting that the youthful thrill remains strong within him.
“The 10 year old in me is like, ‘This is the coolest thing ever,’ even though I’m like 40 years older than them,”
he laughed.
Stiller also emphasized that many celebrities seen at Knicks games, including Tracy Morgan, Michael J. Fox, JB Smoove, and Timothée Chalamet, are true fans and not merely there for show.
“Chalamet is a real Knicks fan. He’s the real deal,”
Stiller remarked about the actor.
“He reminds me of my level of just like — he lives it, he feels it, and he’s really experiencing it inside. One hundred percent.”
Early Career Decisions and Behind-the-Scenes Stories
While Nothing Is Lost marks Ben Stiller’s documentary filmmaking debut, directing has featured prominently throughout his career. He has helmed acclaimed projects such as the TV series Severance and Escape at Dannemora, along with films like Reality Bites, Tropic Thunder, Zoolander, and Jim Carrey’s cult hit The Cable Guy.
During the interview, Stiller revealed that Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley was once considered for the lead in The Cable Guy before Jim Carrey was chosen. The role and script were adapted to fit Carrey’s unique abilities.
“Jim’s input is just all over it, and then when you’re shooting he’ll do like 30 takes — and every take will be different,”
Stiller recalled.
“There’s nobody like him. There’s nobody who has done what he does or does what he does … He was at the top of his game. He could do anything he wanted, and he decided to do this weird, dark [film] that nobody understood.”
Reflecting on Family and Career Choices
Stiller also opened up about a difficult decision he made while editing his 2013 film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, when he cut a scene featuring his daughter Ella Stiller’s acting debut. The choice caused tension in their relationship for years.
“She was eight, Howard. She was eight,”
Stiller said, expressing regret.
“It just damaged our relationship for so many years.”
He described the experience as a valuable lesson about balancing professional decisions with family sensitivity.
“It was a good lesson for me. First of all, if you’re going to put your kid in something … put them in a scene you’re never going to cut no matter what.”
Since then, Stiller and Ella have collaborated on several projects, including Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb, Escape at Dannemora, and the upcoming Happy Gilmore 2.
Availability and Legacy of the Documentary
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost is currently showing in select theaters and will be available on Apple TV+ starting Friday, October 24. The documentary offers a heartfelt exploration of the comedian couple’s impact on comedy and their lasting influence on family and fans alike, shedding light on a complex, often unseen side of fame.
