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==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:BenStiller08.jpg|upright|thumb|right|alt=Stiller is facing the camera and smiling. He is wearing a baseball cap and a blue shirt with a white t-shirt underneath.|Stiller in December 2008.]]
[[File:BenStiller08.jpg|upright|thumb|right|alt=Stiller is facing the camera and smiling. He is wearing a baseball cap and a blue shirt with a white t-shirt underneath.|Stiller in December 2008.]]
Stiller dated several actresses during his early television and film career, including [[Jeanne Tripplehorn]], [[Calista Flockhart]], and [[Amanda Peet]].<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|work=[[Yahoo!]]|title=Ben Stiller |url=http://tv.yahoo.com/ben-stiller/contributor/31663/bio;_ylt=Avdnl1zLWRNAS2XImByvwQa.o9EF|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref><ref name="M&C">{{cite news|publisher=[[Monsters and Critics]]|title=Ben Stiller's funny charms|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1233786.php/Ben_Stillers_funny_charms|date=December 16, 2006|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> In May 2000, Stiller married [[Christine Taylor]], whom he met while filming a never-broadcast television pilot for the [[Fox Broadcasting]] network called ''[[Heat Vision and Jack]]'', which starred [[Jack Black (actor)|Jack Black]].<ref name="Buzzle">{{cite news|author=Buzzle Staff and Agencies|publisher=Buzzle.com|title=Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor Welcome a Girl|url=http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/4-16-2002-16705.asp|date=April 16, 2002|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> The couple appeared onscreen together in ''[[Zoolander]]'', ''[[Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story]]'', and ''[[Tropic Thunder]]''. Both he and his wife reside in [[New York City]]. The couple has 2 children, a daughter, Ella Olivia, born April 9, 2002, and a son, Quinlin Dempsey, born July 10, 2005. Quinn Dempsey shared the role of his father's character, Alex, as a cub, with another boy named Declan Swift, in ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]''.<ref name="NP">{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Bob|work=[[National Post]]|title=Group Outing |url=http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=7601301e-15e5-42de-9c5e-5ff46fd1a9d6&k=32249|date=December 16, 2006|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref>
Stiller dated several actresses during his early television and film career, including [[Jeanne Tripplehorn]], [[Calista Flockhart]], and [[Amanda Peet]].<ref name="Yahoo">{{cite web|work=[[Yahoo!]]|title=Ben Stiller |url=http://tv.yahoo.com/ben-stiller/contributor/31663/bio;_ylt=Avdnl1zLWRNAS2XImByvwQa.o9EF|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref><ref name="M&C">{{cite news|publisher=[[Monsters and Critics]]|title=Ben Stiller's funny charms|url=http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1233786.php/Ben_Stillers_funny_charms|date=December 16, 2006|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> In May 2000, Stiller married [[Christine Taylor]], whom he met while filming a never-broadcast television pilot for the [[Fox Broadcasting]] network called ''[[Heat Vision and Jack]]'', which starred [[Jack Black (actor)|Jack Black]].<ref name="Buzzle">{{cite news|author=Buzzle Staff and Agencies|publisher=Buzzle.com|title=Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor Welcome a Girl|url=http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/4-16-2002-16705.asp|date=April 16, 2002|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref>In May 2000, Ben Stiller’s parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, commissioned through Al Hirschfeld’s exclusive dealer, Margo Feiden of the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd., a surprise wedding gift of a Hirschfeld drawing of Ben and Christine as man and wife.[[File:Wedding gift from Ben Stiller's parents to Ben & Christine.jpg|thumb|none|Drawing by Al Hirschfeld of Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor as man and wife. Commissioned through the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd by Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara as a surprise wedding gift for the couple.]]
The couple appeared onscreen together in ''[[Zoolander]]'', ''[[Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story]]'', and ''[[Tropic Thunder]]''. Both he and his wife reside in [[New York City]]. The couple has 2 children, a daughter, Ella Olivia, born April 9, 2002, and a son, Quinlin Dempsey, born July 10, 2005. Quinn Dempsey shared the role of his father's character, Alex, as a cub, with another boy named Declan Swift, in ''[[Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa]]''.<ref name="NP">{{cite news|last=Thompson|first=Bob|work=[[National Post]]|title=Group Outing |url=http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=7601301e-15e5-42de-9c5e-5ff46fd1a9d6&k=32249|date=December 16, 2006|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref>


Stiller is a supporter of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] and donated money to [[John Kerry]]'s 2004 U.S. Presidential campaign.<ref name="Newsmeat">{{cite web|work=Newsmeat|title=Ben Stiller's Federal Campaign Contribution Report |url=http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Ben_Stiller.php|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> In February 2007, Stiller attended a fundraiser for [[Barack Obama]] and later donated to the 2008 U.S. Presidential campaigns of Democrats Obama, [[John Edwards]], and [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref name="MTVpol">{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|publisher=MTV|title=Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Even Paulie Walnuts Open Wallets for Presidential Candidates|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1564950/20070717/story.jhtml|date=July 17, 2007|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> Stiller is also a supporter of several charities including [[Declare Yourself]], the [[Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation]], and the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.<ref name="LTTS">{{cite web|work=Look to the Stars|title=Ben Stiller Charity Information|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/18-ben-stiller|accessdate=March 29, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090320154812/http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/18-ben-stiller| archivedate= March 20, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In 2010, Stiller joined [[Jennifer Aniston]], [[Courteney Cox]], [[Robin Williams]], and other Hollywood stars in "The Cove PSA: My Friend is... ", an effort to stop the slaughter of dolphins and protect the Japanese population from the toxic levels of mercury found in dolphin meat.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2010/04/22/the-cove-psa/ Hollywood and “The Cove” Join Forces for Dolphin Awareness: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston and friends appear in The Cove PSA directed by Andrés Useche ]</ref>
Stiller is a supporter of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] and donated money to [[John Kerry]]'s 2004 U.S. Presidential campaign.<ref name="Newsmeat">{{cite web|work=Newsmeat|title=Ben Stiller's Federal Campaign Contribution Report |url=http://www.newsmeat.com/celebrity_political_donations/Ben_Stiller.php|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> In February 2007, Stiller attended a fundraiser for [[Barack Obama]] and later donated to the 2008 U.S. Presidential campaigns of Democrats Obama, [[John Edwards]], and [[Hillary Clinton]].<ref name="MTVpol">{{cite news|last=Kaufman|first=Gil|publisher=MTV|title=Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Even Paulie Walnuts Open Wallets for Presidential Candidates|url=http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1564950/20070717/story.jhtml|date=July 17, 2007|accessdate=March 29, 2009}}</ref> Stiller is also a supporter of several charities including [[Declare Yourself]], the [[Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation]], and the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.<ref name="LTTS">{{cite web|work=Look to the Stars|title=Ben Stiller Charity Information|url=http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/18-ben-stiller|accessdate=March 29, 2009| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20090320154812/http://www.looktothestars.org/celebrity/18-ben-stiller| archivedate= March 20, 2009 <!--DASHBot-->| deadurl= no}}</ref> In 2010, Stiller joined [[Jennifer Aniston]], [[Courteney Cox]], [[Robin Williams]], and other Hollywood stars in "The Cove PSA: My Friend is... ", an effort to stop the slaughter of dolphins and protect the Japanese population from the toxic levels of mercury found in dolphin meat.<ref>[http://mashable.com/2010/04/22/the-cove-psa/ Hollywood and “The Cove” Join Forces for Dolphin Awareness: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston and friends appear in The Cove PSA directed by Andrés Useche ]</ref>

Revision as of 01:01, 13 February 2013

Ben Stiller
Ben Stiller filming Tower Heist, 2010
Born
Benjamin Edward Stiller

(1965-11-30) November 30, 1965 (age 58)[1]
New York City, New York, U.S.
Alma materUniversity of California, Los Angeles
Occupation(s)Actor, comedian, director producer, screenwriter
Years active1975–present
Height5 ft 6.5 in (1.69 m)
SpouseChristine Taylor (m. 2000)
ChildrenElla
Quinlin
Parent(s)Jerry Stiller (father)
Anne Meara (mother)
FamilyAmy Stiller (sister)

Benjamin Edward "Ben" Stiller (born November 30, 1965) is an American comedian, actor, voice actor, screenwriter, film director, and producer. He is the son of veteran comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.[3]

After beginning his acting career with a play, Stiller wrote several mockumentaries, and was offered his own show entitled The Ben Stiller Show, which he produced and hosted for its entire run: 13 episodes. Having previously acted in television, he began acting in films; he made his directorial debut with Reality Bites. Throughout his career he has written, starred in, directed, and/or produced over 50 films including Zoolander, There's Something About Mary, Meet the Parents, Dodgeball, Tropic Thunder, the Madagascar series, Night at the Museum, and the sequel Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. In addition, he has had multiple cameos in music videos, television shows, and films.

Stiller is a member of the comedic acting brotherhood colloquially known as the Frat Pack. His films have grossed more than $2.1 billion in Canada and the United States, with an average of $73 million per film.[4] Throughout his career, he has received several awards and honors including an Emmy Award, several MTV Movie Awards, and a Teen Choice Award.

Early life

Stiller was born in New York City. His father, Jerry Stiller, is from a Jewish family that immigrated from Poland and Galicia, in Eastern Europe.[5] His mother, Anne Meara, who is of Irish Catholic background, converted to Reform Judaism after marrying his father.[6][7][8] The family celebrated both Hanukkah and Christmas, and Stiller had a Bar Mitzvah.[9][10] He has said that he is "half Jewish and half Irish Catholic."[11] Stiller's parents frequently took him on the sets of their appearances, including The Mike Douglas Show when he was six.[12] He stated in an interview that he considered his childhood unusual: "In some ways, it was a show-business upbringing—a lot of traveling, a lot of late nights—not what you'd call traditional."[13] His sister, actress Amy Stiller, has made appearances in many of his productions, including Reality Bites, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Zoolander.[14][15][16]

Stiller displayed an early interest in filmmaking, and made Super 8 movies with his sister and friends.[17] At ten years old, he made his acting debut as a guest on his mother's television series, Kate McShane. In the late 1970s, he performed with the New York City troupe NYC's First All Children's Theater, playing several roles, including the title role in Clever Jack and the Magic Beanstalk.[18] After being inspired by the television show Second City Television while in high school, Stiller realized that he wanted to get involved with sketch comedy.[18]

Stiller attended the The Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and graduated from the Calhoun School in New York in 1983. He started performing on the cabaret circuit as opening act to the cabaret siren Jadin Wong. Stiller then enrolled as a film student at the University of California, Los Angeles. After nine months, Stiller left school to move back to New York City.[10] He made his way through acting classes, auditioning and trying to find an agent.[19]

Acting career

Early work

When he was approximately 15, Stiller obtained a small part with one line on the television soap opera Guiding Light, although in an interview he characterized his performance as poor.[20] He was was later cast in a role in the 1986 Broadway revival of John Guare's The House of Blue Leaves, alongside John Mahoney; the production would garner four Tony Awards.[19] During its run, Stiller produced a satirical mockumentary whose principal was fellow actor Mahoney. His comedic work was well received by the cast and crew of the play, and he followed up with a 10 minute short called The Hustler of Money, a parody of the Martin Scorsese film The Color of Money. The film featured him in a send-up of Tom Cruise's character and Mahoney in the Paul Newman role, only this time as a bowling hustler instead of a pool shark. The short got the attention of Saturday Night Live, which aired it in 1987, and two years later offered him a spot as a writer.[19] In the meantime, he also had a bit part in Steven Spielberg's Empire of the Sun.[21]

In 1989, Stiller wrote and appeared on Saturday Night Live as a featured performer. However, since the show did not want him to make more short films, he left after four episodes.[19] He then put together Elvis Stories, a short film about a fictitious tabloid focused on recent sightings of Elvis Presley.[22] The film starred friends and co-stars John Cusack, Jeremy Piven, Mike Myers, Andy Dick, and Jeff Kahn.[22] The film was considered a success, and led him to develop another film titled Back to Brooklyn for MTV.[23]

The Ben Stiller Show

Main article: The Ben Stiller Show

Decision makers at MTV were so impressed with Back to Brooklyn that they offered Stiller a 13-episode show in the experimental "vid-com" format.[24] Titled The Ben Stiller Show, this series mixed comedy sketches with music videos and parodied various television shows, music stars, and films. It starred Stiller, along with main writer Jeff Khan and Harry O'Reilly, with occasional appearances by his parents Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, and sister Amy Stiller.[24]

Although the show was canceled after its first season, it led to another show titled The Ben Stiller Show, on the Fox Network in 1992. The Ben Stiller Show aired 12 episodes on Fox, with a 13th unaired episode broadcast by Comedy Central in a later revival.[25] Among the principal writers on The Ben Stiller Show were Stiller and Judd Apatow, with the show featuring the ensemble cast of Stiller, Janeane Garofalo, Andy Dick, and Bob Odenkirk.[26] Both Denise Richards and Jeanne Tripplehorn appeared as extras in various episodes. Throughout its short run, The Ben Stiller Show frequently appeared at the bottom of the ratings, even as it garnered critical acclaim and eventually won the Emmy for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program" post-humously.[25][27][28]

Ben Stiller in 2006, photographed by Jerry Avenaim

Directorial debut

After a few minor film roles in the early 1990s, such as Stella, Highway to Hell, and a cameo in The Nutt House, Stiller devoted his time to writing, fundraising, recruiting cast members, starring in, and directing Reality Bites.[19] The film was produced by Danny DeVito, who later directed Stiller's 2003 film Duplex and produced the 2004 film Along Came Polly.[29] Reality Bites debuted as the highest-grossing film in its opening weekend and received mixed reviews.[30][31]

Stiller joined his parents in the family film Heavyweights (1995), in which he played two roles, and then had a brief uncredited role in Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore (1996).[32][33] Next, he had lead roles in If Lucy Fell and Flirting with Disaster, before tackling his next directorial effort with The Cable Guy, which starred Jim Carrey. Stiller once again was featured in his own film, as twins. The film received mixed reviews, but was noted for paying the highest salary for an actor up to that point, as Jim Carrey received $20 million for his work in the film.[34] The film also connected Stiller with future Frat Pack members Jack Black and Owen Wilson.

Also in 1996, MTV invited Stiller to host the VH1 Fashion Awards. Along with SNL writer Drake Sather, Stiller developed a short film for the awards about a male model known as Derek Zoolander. It was so well received that Stiller developed another short film about the character for the 1997 VH1 Fashion Awards and finally remade the skit into a film.[19]

Comedy career

In 1998, Stiller put aside his directing ambitions to star in the surprise hit with a long-lasting cult following, the Farrelly Brothers' There's Something About Mary, alongside Cameron Diaz, which accelerated Stiller's acting career. That year, he also starred in several dramas, including Zero Effect, Your Friends & Neighbors, and Permanent Midnight. Stiller was invited to take part in hosting the Music Video awards, for which he developed a parody of the Backstreet Boys and performed a sketch with his father, commenting on his current career.[35]

In 1999, he starred in three films, including Mystery Men, where he played a superhero wannabe called Mr. Furious. He returned to directing with a new spoof television series for Fox titled Heat Vision and Jack, starring Jack Black, however, the show was not picked up by Fox after its pilot episode and the series was cancelled.[36]

2000 would be a better year for Stiller, as he starred in three more films, including one of his most recognizable roles, a male nurse named Greg Focker in Meet the Parents, opposite Robert De Niro.[37] The film was well-received by critics, grossed over $330 million worldwide, and spawned two sequels.[38][39] Also in 2000, MTV again invited Stiller to make another short film, and he developed Mission: Improbable, a spoof of Tom Cruise's role in Mission: Impossible II and other films.[40]

In 2001, Stiller would direct his third feature film, Zoolander, which focused on the character Derek Zoolander (played by Stiller) that he developed for the VH1 Fashion Awards. The film featured multiple cameos from a variety of celebrities including Donald Trump, Paris Hilton, Lenny Kravitz, Heidi Klum, and David Bowie, among others. The film was banned in Malaysia (as the plot centered on an assassination attempt of a Malaysian prime minister)[41] while shots of the World Trade Center were digitally removed and hidden for the film's release after the September 11 terrorist attacks.[42]

A crowd of people is all looking towards a man at the center who is signing a hat. The crowd is attempting to hand him posters to sign and others are taking pictures using cameras and cell phones.
Stiller signing autographs before a screening for Tropic Thunder at Camp Pendleton on August 3, 2008.

After Stiller worked with Owen Wilson in Zoolander, they joined together again for The Royal Tenenbaums.[42] Over the next two years, Stiller continued with the lackluster box office film Duplex and several cameos in Orange County and Nobody Knows Anything!.[43][44][45] He also guest-starred on several television shows, including an appearance in an episode of the television series King Of Queens in a flashback as the father of the character Arthur (played by Jerry Stiller).[46] He also made a guest appearance on World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE Raw.[47]

In 2004, Stiller appeared in six different films, all of which were comedies, and include some of his highest grossing films. They include Starsky & Hutch, Envy, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, an uncredited cameo in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Along Came Polly, and Meet the Fockers. While the critically panned Envy only grossed $14.5 million worldwide,[48] his most successful film of the year was Meet the Fockers, which grossed over $516.6 million worldwide.[49] In 2005, Stiller would begin his first attempt at a computer-animated film with Madagascar, which performed so well at the box office that it resulted in a sequel released in 2008 and another in 2012.

In 2006, Stiller had cameo roles in School for Scoundrels, and Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, for which he served as executive producer. In December, Stiller starred in the lead role of Night at the Museum. Although not a critical favorite, it earned over $115 million in ten days.[50] In 2007, Stiller starred alongside Malin Åkerman in the romantic comedy The Heartbreak Kid. The film earned over $100 million worldwide despite receiving mostly negative reviews.[51][52] Tropic Thunder, a film he directed, co-wrote, and co-produced, and in which he starred with Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black, was released on August 13, 2008. In May 2009, he starred with Amy Adams in the sequel Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.[53] In 2010, Stiller made a brief cameo in Joaquin Phoenix's mockumentary I'm Still Here and played the lead role in the comedy-drama Greenberg. Stiller again portrayed 'Greg' Focker in the critically panned yet successful Little Fockers, the second sequel to Meet the Parents. Stiller had planned to voice a character in Megamind, but later dropped out while still remaining a producer.[54]

Stiller at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival

In 2011, Stiller starred with Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda in Tower Heist, about a group of maintenance workers planning a heist in a residential skyscraper.[55] Filming began in November 2010.

"Frat Pack"

Main article: Frat Pack

Stiller is the "acknowledged leader" of the Frat Pack, a core group of actors that has worked together in multiple films. The group includes Jack Black, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Luke Wilson, Steve Carell, and Paul Rudd.[56][57] Stiller has been acknowledged as the leader of the group due to his multiple cameos and for his consistent use of the other members in roles in films which he produces and directs.[56] He has appeared the most with Owen Wilson -- in eleven films.[56][58] Of the 35 primary films that are considered Frat Pack films, Stiller has been involved with 20, in some capacity.[56] He is also the only member of this group to have appeared in a Brat Pack film (Fresh Horses).[21]

Personal life

Stiller is facing the camera and smiling. He is wearing a baseball cap and a blue shirt with a white t-shirt underneath.
Stiller in December 2008.

Stiller dated several actresses during his early television and film career, including Jeanne Tripplehorn, Calista Flockhart, and Amanda Peet.[59][60] In May 2000, Stiller married Christine Taylor, whom he met while filming a never-broadcast television pilot for the Fox Broadcasting network called Heat Vision and Jack, which starred Jack Black.[61]In May 2000, Ben Stiller’s parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, commissioned through Al Hirschfeld’s exclusive dealer, Margo Feiden of the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd., a surprise wedding gift of a Hirschfeld drawing of Ben and Christine as man and wife.

File:Wedding gift from Ben Stiller's parents to Ben & Christine.jpg
Drawing by Al Hirschfeld of Ben Stiller & Christine Taylor as man and wife. Commissioned through the Margo Feiden Galleries Ltd by Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara as a surprise wedding gift for the couple.

The couple appeared onscreen together in Zoolander, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Tropic Thunder. Both he and his wife reside in New York City. The couple has 2 children, a daughter, Ella Olivia, born April 9, 2002, and a son, Quinlin Dempsey, born July 10, 2005. Quinn Dempsey shared the role of his father's character, Alex, as a cub, with another boy named Declan Swift, in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.[62]

Stiller is a supporter of the Democratic Party and donated money to John Kerry's 2004 U.S. Presidential campaign.[63] In February 2007, Stiller attended a fundraiser for Barack Obama and later donated to the 2008 U.S. Presidential campaigns of Democrats Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton.[64] Stiller is also a supporter of several charities including Declare Yourself, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.[65] In 2010, Stiller joined Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Robin Williams, and other Hollywood stars in "The Cove PSA: My Friend is... ", an effort to stop the slaughter of dolphins and protect the Japanese population from the toxic levels of mercury found in dolphin meat.[66]

Stiller frequently does impersonations of many of his favorite performers, including Bono, Tom Cruise, Bruce Springsteen, and David Blaine. In an interview with Parade, he commented that Robert Klein, George Carlin, and Jimmie Walker were inspirations for his comedy career.[13] Stiller is also a self-professed Trekkie and appeared in the television special Star Trek: 30 Years and Beyond to express his love of the show, as well as a comedy roast for William Shatner.[67][68] He frequently references the show in his work, and named his production company Red Hour Productions after the original Star Trek episode "The Return of the Archons".[69]

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
1987 Empire of the Sun Dainty
Hot Pursuit Chris Honeywell
Shoeshine
1988 Fresh Horses Tipton
1989 Next of Kin Lawrence Isabella
Elvis Stories Bruce
That's Adequate Chip Lane
1990 Stella Jim Uptegrove
Working Tra$h Freddy Novak
1992 The Nutt House Pie Thrower Cameo
Highway to Hell Pluto's Cook/Attila the Hun
1994 Reality Bites Michael Grates Also director
1995 Heavyweights Tony Perkis/Tony Perkis Sr.
1996 The Cable Guy Sam Sweet/Stan Sweet Also director
Flirting with Disaster Mel
If Lucy Fell Bwick Elias
Happy Gilmore Hal L. (Nursing Home Orderly) Uncredited
1998 Permanent Midnight Jerry Stahl
Your Friends & Neighbors Jerry
There's Something About Mary Ted Stroehmann MTV Movie Award for Best Fight (For the fight against Puffy the Dog.)
Nominated — American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role)
Nominated — Blockbuster Entertainment Award Favorite Actor - Comedy
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Kiss (shared with Cameron Diaz)
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Duo (shared with Cameron Diaz)
Zero Effect Steve Arlo
1999 Black and White Mark Clear
Mystery Men Mr. Furious Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Hissy Fit
The Suburbans Jay Rose
2000 Meet the Parents Gaylord "Greg" Focker American Comedy Award for Funniest Actor in a Motion Picture (Leading Role)
MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance
Nominated — Blockbuster Entertainment Award for Favorite Actor - Comedy/Romance
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (shared with Robert De Niro )
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Actor
Keeping the Faith Rabbi Jake Schram
The Independent Cop
2001 The Royal Tenenbaums Chas Tenenbaum Nominated — Phoenix Film Critics Society Award for Best Cast
Nominated — Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
Zoolander Derek Zoolander Also writer and director
Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Hissy Fit
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Dressed
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Line ("There's more to life than just being really, really, ridiculously good looking.")
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (shared with Owen Wilson)
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Film - Choice Actor, Comedy
2002 Orange County The Firefighter Cameo
Run Ronnie Run Himself
2003 Nobody Knows Anything! Peach Expert Cameo
Duplex Alex Rose
Pauly Shore Is Dead Himself Cameo
2004 Meet the Fockers Greg Focker Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Blush Scene(Greg's engagement party speech)
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Liar
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy Arturo Mendes Cameo
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story White Goodman MTV Movie Award for Best Villain
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance
Nominated — Razzie Award for Worst Actor
Envy Tim Dingman
Starsky & Hutch David Starsky Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (shared with Owen Wilson)
Nominated — People's Choice Award for Favorite On-Screen Chemistry (shared with Owen Wilson)
Nominated — Razzie Award for Worst Actor
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor - Comedy
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Chemistry (shared with Owen Wilson)
Along Came Polly Reuben Feffer Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Dance Sequence shared with Jennifer Aniston,For the hot salsa dance.
Nominated — Razzie Award for Worst Actor
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Blush
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Hissy Fit
2005 Danny Roane: First Time Director Himself
Madagascar Alex Voice only
Nominated — Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Feature
Sledge: The Untold Story Commander
2006 Night at the Museum Larry Daley Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
In Search of Ted Demme Himself
Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny Guitar Center Guy Cameo and producer
School for Scoundrels Lonnie
2007 The Heartbreak Kid Eddie Cantrow
2008 Tropic Thunder Tugg Speedman Also writer and director
Hollywood Film Festival Award for Comedy of the Year
Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best WTF Moment
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Alex Voice only
Nominated — Kids' Choice Award for Favorite Voice from an Animated Movie
2009 Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian Larry Daley Nominated — MTV Movie Award for Best Comedic Performance
Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Comedy
The Marc Pease Experience Jon Gribble
2010 Greenberg Roger Greenberg Nominated — Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead
Nominated — Comedy Film Award for Best Leading Actor
Megamind Bernard Executive Producer, Voice-Role
Little Fockers Greg Focker
The Trip Ben Stiller Exaggerated Version of Himself, Cameo (uncredited)
2011 Tower Heist Josh Kovaks
2012 The Watch Evan Trautwig
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Alex Voice only
He's Way More Famous Than You Himself Post Production
While We're Young Pre Production
The Mountain Announced
2013 The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Walter Mitty filming
Zoolander 2 Derek Zoolander pre production
Madly Madagascar Alex Voice only
TBA How Could you Do This to Me TBA

Director and producer

Year Title Notes
1989 Elvis Stories Director/Writer
1994 Reality Bites Director
1996 The Cable Guy Director/Writer(uncredited)
2001 Zoolander Director/Producer/Writer
2003 Duplex Producer
2003 Crooked Lines Executive producer
2004 Starsky & Hutch Executive producer
2004 Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story Producer
2006 Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny Executive Producer
2007 Blades of Glory Producer
2008 Date School Producer
2008 The Ruins Executive Producer
2008 Tropic Thunder Director/Producer/Writer
2009 The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story Executive Producer
2010 Megamind Executive Producer
2010 Submarine Executive Producer
2011 30 Minutes or Less Producer

Television work

Year Title Role Notes
1987 Miami Vice Fast Eddie Felcher Single episode
1989 Saturday Night Live Various/Writer 4 episodes
1990 The Ben Stiller Show Himself Director and writer
1990 Working Trash Freddy Novak Television film
1992–93 The Ben Stiller Show Himself Director, producer, and writer
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program
1995 Duckman Harry Medfly Voice only; single episode
1995 2 Stupid Dogs Tony Robbins-style character Voice Only
1996 NewsRadio Vic Single episode
1997 Friends Tommy Single episode The One with the Screamer
1997 The Larry Sanders Show Himself Single episode
1998 Space Ghost Coast to Coast Himself Single episode
1999 Heat Vision and Jack Strip Club DJ Director and executive producer
1999 WWF Raw Is War Himself Special guest host
2000 Freaks and Geeks Secret Service Agent Single episode
2001 Undeclared Rex Single episode
2002 The Simpsons Garth Motherloving Voice only; single episode Sweets and Sour Marge
2002 Prehistoric Planet Narrator First season
2002 The King of Queens Jerry Single episode
2004 Curb Your Enthusiasm Himself Three episodes
2004–06 Arrested Development Tony Wonder Four episodes
2005 Extras Himself Single episode
Nominated — Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series
2007 Family Guy Himself Voice only; "No Meals on Wheels"
2007 Bob & Doug McKenzie's Two-Four Anniversary Himself Documentary
2008 Sesame Street Himself Single episode
2010 Phineas and Ferb Khaka Peu Peu "The Beak"
2010 Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! Himself Single episode
2010 The Trip Himself Exaggerated Version of Himself, Cameo (uncredited)
2011 Onion News Network Himself Single episode
2011 Take Two with Phineas and Ferb Himself Single episode
2012 Eagleheart Silly Sammy Guest Star - Episode: "Silly Sammy"
2013 My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic Manny Zooson "Finding Ryan" Part 1 and 2

Music videos

Year Title Artist Role
1999 "All Star" Smash Mouth Mr. Furious
2000 "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" Limp Bizkit Himself
2000 "Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water" Limp Bizkit Himself
2001 "Bad Boy for Life" Sean Combs P. Diddy's Neighbor
2002 "Tribute" Tenacious D Himself
2004 "Taylor" Jack Johnson Himself
2006 "Awesome; I Fuckin' Shot That!" Beastie Boys Himself
2007 "Closer" Travis Supermarket Manager

Web series

Year Title Role Notes
2012 Burning Love Joe Rutherford Also Executive Co-producer

Awards and honors

  • Stiller was awarded an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Individual Achievement in Writing in a Variety or Music Program" for his work on The Ben Stiller Show.[28]
  • He has been nominated twelve times for the Teen Choice Awards and won once for "Choice Hissy Fit" for his work in Zoolander. He also was nominated by the MTV Movie Awards thirteen times and won three times for "Best Fight" in There's Something About Mary, "Best Comedic Performance" in Meet the Parents, and "Best Villain" in Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story.[70]
  • Princeton University's Class of 2005 inducted Stiller as an honorary member of the class during its "Senior Week" in April 2005.[71]
  • On February 23, 2007, Stiller received the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award from Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals. According to the organization, the award is given to performers who give a lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment.[72]
  • On March 31, 2007, Stiller received the "Wannabe Award" from the Kids' Choice Awards.[73]
  • On May 31, 2009, Stiller received the MTV Generation Award, at the 2009 MTV Movie Awards. It is the ceremony's top honor.[74]
  • In 2011 he was awarded the BAFTA Britannia - Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy by BAFTA Los Angeles.[75]

References

  1. ^ "Ben Stiller Biography". A&E Television Networks. Retrieved July 21, 2011.
  2. ^ http://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/actors/ben-stiller-net-worth
  3. ^ "Their House Won't Be Stiller They Had a Baby" (Registration required). Seattle Post-Intelligencer. April 17, 2002. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  4. ^ "Ben Stiller – Actor". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved May 10, 2010.
  5. ^ [1]
  6. ^ Wallace, Debra (November 19, 1999). "Stiller 'softy' in real life". Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ Los Angeles Times
  8. ^ O'Toole, Lesley (December 22, 2006). "Ben Stiller:'Doing comedy is scary'". The Independent. London. Retrieved March 29, 2009. [dead link]
  9. ^ Longsdorf, Amy (December 3, 2010). "Christine Taylor: Sweet for the holidays". The Morning Call. Retrieved December 5, 2010. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ a b Stated on Inside the Actors Studio, 2001
  11. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8-2ofOhJko#t=03m32s Ben Stiller on "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross"
  12. ^ McIntee, Michael Z. "Monday, May 30, 2005, Show #2366 recap". Late Show with David Letterman. Retrieved March 29, 2009. [dead link]
  13. ^ a b Masello, Robert (November 28, 2006). "What makes Ben Stiller funny?". Parade. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  14. ^ Bruni, Frank (February 22, 1994). "Generation-X man Mercurial Ben Stiller gets raves for twentysomething flick" (Registration required). The Spectator. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  15. ^ Millar, John (August 28, 2004). "Keeping it in the family is Ben's way" (Registration required). Daily Record. Retrieved January 9, 2010. [dead link]
  16. ^ Mitchell, Elvis (September 28, 2001). "A Lost Boy in a Plot to Keep The Fashion Industry Afloat". The New York Times. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  17. ^ Wood, Gaby (March 14, 2004). "The geek who stole Hollywood". The Guardian. London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  18. ^ a b McCarthy, Ellen (December 22, 2006). "Ben Stiller Isn't Funny. Or So He Says..." (Fee required). The Washington Post. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  19. ^ a b c d e f Wills, Dominic. "Ben Stiller Biography". Tiscali. Archived from the original on February 17, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  20. ^ "Something Something Japanese". Conan. Season 2. Episode 121. July 26, 2012. TBS.
  21. ^ a b Svetkey, Benjamin (October 16, 1992). "Our Son the Comedian". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 13, 2010. Retrieved January 9, 2010. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b Wickstrom, Andy (January 5, 1990). "The King Lives in 'Elvis Stories'". Boca Raton News. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  23. ^ "Stiller gets serious" (Registration required). The Washington Post. September 28, 2001. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  24. ^ a b Wills, Dominic. "Ben Stiller – Biography". Tiscali. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  25. ^ a b Bianculli, David (August 24, 1995). "'Stiller' Gonna Make Sat. Night Livelier". New York Daily News. Retrieved January 11, 2010. [dead link]
  26. ^ Kushner, David (March 26, 1999). "Jokers Mild". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  27. ^ Wolk, Josh (December 5, 2003). "Stiller Standing". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ a b Read, Kimberly (August 4, 2007). "Ben Stiller – Actor/Comedian". About.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ "Ben Stiller Finds 'Reality' is in the Genes". New Straits Times. February 15, 1994. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  30. ^ "Reality Bites Weekend Box Office". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  31. ^ "Reality Bites (1993)". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  32. ^ Holden, Stephen (February 17, 1995). "Spoofing the TV Gurus of Fitness". The New York Times. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  33. ^ Lowry, Brian (February 19, 1996). "Happy Gilmore". Variety. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  34. ^ Waxman, Sharon (July 23, 1996). "Stiller Standing" (Fee required). The Washington Post. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  35. ^ "Madonna Rules at Routine MTV Video Music Awards" (Registration required). Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 12, 1998. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  36. ^ Lawrence, Will (September 28, 2007). "Ben Stiller behaving badly". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  37. ^ Turan, Kenneth (October 6, 2000). "Meet the Parents". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 11, 2010. [dead link]
  38. ^ "Meet the Parents". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on January 06 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |archivedate= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  39. ^ "Meet the Parents". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on January 30, 2010. Retrieved January 13, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  40. ^ Mills, Nancy (October 3, 2007). "Bride of Ben". The Record. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  41. ^ "Zoolander faces Malaysian censorship controversy". London: guardian.co.uk. March 5, 2002. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  42. ^ a b Maher, Kevin (June 30, 2002). "Back with a bang". The Observer. London. Retrieved March 29, 2009. Cite error: The named reference "WTCremoval" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  43. ^ Macaulay, Sean (January 20, 2004). "Ben there, done that". The Times. London. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  44. ^ Patterson, John (January 14, 2002). "Strange Fruit". London: guardian.co.uk. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  45. ^ Watts, Duncan J. "Nobody Knows Anything (2003)". The New York Times. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  46. ^ Breznican, Anthony (December 12, 2006). "'Museum' Exhibits Funny Pals; Ben Stiller's Key to Success: One For All, All For One" (Fee required). USA Today. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  47. ^ Clark, Tim (July 31, 2000). "PPV's Cure for the Summertime Blues". Cable World. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  48. ^ "Envy". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  49. ^ "Meet the Fockers". Box Office Mojo. Archived from the original on March 31, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  50. ^ "Night at the Museum – Daily Box Office". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  51. ^ "The Heartbreak Kid". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 11, 2010.
  52. ^ "The Heartbreak Kid". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  53. ^ Siegel, Tatiana (June 2, 2008). "Ed Helms mans 'Manure'". Variety. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  54. ^ "DreamWorks Animation Acquires Superhero Spoof". VFX World. April 3, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  55. ^ Kit, Borys (October 13, 2010). "Eddie Murphy to Star in "Tower Heist"". ABC News. Retrieved January 6, 2010.
  56. ^ a b c d "Learn More". Frat Pack Tribute. Archived from the original on July 28, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2010. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  57. ^ Wloszczyna, Susan (July 13, 2006). "'Frat Pack' splits". USA Today. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  58. ^ Wloszczyna, Susan (June 17, 2004). "These guys would be great to hang out with". USA Today. Retrieved January 9, 2010.
  59. ^ "Ben Stiller". Yahoo!. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  60. ^ "Ben Stiller's funny charms". Monsters and Critics. December 16, 2006. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  61. ^ Buzzle Staff and Agencies (April 16, 2002). "Ben Stiller, Christine Taylor Welcome a Girl". Buzzle.com. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  62. ^ Thompson, Bob (December 16, 2006). "Group Outing". National Post. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  63. ^ "Ben Stiller's Federal Campaign Contribution Report". Newsmeat. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  64. ^ Kaufman, Gil (July 17, 2007). "Will Smith, Ben Stiller, Even Paulie Walnuts Open Wallets for Presidential Candidates". MTV. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  65. ^ "Ben Stiller Charity Information". Look to the Stars. Archived from the original on March 20, 2009. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  66. ^ Hollywood and “The Cove” Join Forces for Dolphin Awareness: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Aniston and friends appear in The Cove PSA directed by Andrés Useche
  67. ^ "'Five Year Mission' Enters 31st Season". The Daily Courier. Google News. Associated Press. October 7, 1996. Retrieved January 13, 2010. [dead link]
  68. ^ "Holy Shat! Insults Fly at Comedy Central Roast". Startrek.com. August 15, 2006. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  69. ^ Silverstein, Adam (April 19, 2009). "Stiller: 'J.J. Abrams did great job'". Digital Spy. Retrieved January 13, 2010.
  70. ^ "Awards for Ben Stiller". Internet Movie Database. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  71. ^ Senn, Tom (April 19, 2005). "Comedian Stiller performs at Class of 2005 event". The Daily Princetonian. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  72. ^ "Ben Stiller, Scarlett Johansson to receive Hasty Pudding awards at Harvard". International Herald Tribune. Associated Press. January 29, 2007. Archived from the original on September 3, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  73. ^ Rogers, John (April 1, 2007). "Ben Stiller wins top Kids Choice prize – the Wannabe". The Eagle. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved March 29, 2009.
  74. ^ "Ben Stiller to receive MTV honour". BBC. May 23, 2009. Retrieved March 25, 2010.
  75. ^ Dave McNary (August 23, 2011). "BAFTA/L.A. award to Ben Stiller". Variety. Reed Elsevier Inc. Retrieved July 31, 2012.

Further reading

  • Bankston, John. Ben Stiller (Real-Life Reader Biography). Mitchell Lane Publishers, 2002. ISBN 1-58415-132-3.
  • Dougherty, Terri. Ben Stiller (People in the News). Lucent Books, 2006. ISBN 1-59018-723-7...
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ben Stiller.
Preceded by MTV Movie Awards host
1996 (with Janeane Garofalo) 		Succeeded by
Preceded by MTV Video Music Awards host
1998 		Succeeded by
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