Ben Stiller is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and director born on November 30, 1965, in New York City. He rose to fame through comedy films and television, and has since become a respected filmmaker, known for directing the Apple TV+ series Severance.
Stiller grew up on Manhattan’s Upper West Side in a show-business household. His parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, were a celebrated comedy duo, and his childhood was steeped in the entertainment industry. He started making amateur Super-8 films at age 10 and performed skits at home with his sister Amy. After attending UCLA for about nine months, he left to pursue a career in comedy and television.
His breakthrough came through writing for Saturday Night Live and creating The Ben Stiller Show. He went on to star in major comedies such as There’s Something About Mary, Zoolander, Meet the Parents, and Night at the Museum. Later, he expanded into directing and producing, most notably with the critically acclaimed series Severance.
What Are Ben Stiller’s Most Notable Movies and TV Shows?
- Full Name: Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller
- Born: November 30, 1965 (New York City, USA)
- Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Filmmaker
- Notable Works: Zoolander, Meet the Parents, Tropic Thunder, Severance (director)
- Spouse: Christine Taylor (m. 2000; separated 2017–2022, reconciled)
- Children: 2
Key Insights
- Ben Stiller was born into a comedy dynasty; his parents Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were renowned comedians.
- He is known both as a leading comedic actor and as an accomplished director, notably for the TV series Severance (Apple TV+).
- His net worth is estimated at $200 million (2025), though exact figures vary by source.
- Stiller’s height is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m), a frequent point of curiosity among fans.
- He began making Super-8 films at age 10, showing early filmmaking ambition.
- He left UCLA after nine months to pursue his entertainment career.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Age (2025) | 59 |
| Net Worth (estimated) | $200 million |
| Spouse | Christine Taylor (m. 2000; separated 2017–2022, reconciled) |
| Father | Jerry Stiller (comedian) |
| Mother | Anne Meara (comedian) |
| Notable Film Series | Night at the Museum, Meet the Parents, Madagascar (voice) |
| Directorial Work | Reality Bites (1994), Zoolander (2001), Severance (2022–present) |
Ben Stiller movies
Stiller’s filmography includes some of the most popular comedies of the late 1990s and 2000s. His breakout role came in There’s Something About Mary (1998), followed by hits like Zoolander (2001), Meet the Parents (2000), and the Night at the Museum series. He also voiced characters in the Madagascar animated franchise. Britannica describes him as one of the leading movie stars of the early 21st century, known for portraying neurotic or aggrieved comic characters.
Stiller’s role in There’s Something About Mary (1998) is widely considered his breakthrough. The film was a massive box office success and established him as a major comedic leading man.
Ben Stiller directed movies
Beyond acting, Stiller has directed several films. His directorial debut was Reality Bites (1994), a Gen-X touchstone. He went on to direct and star in Zoolander (2001) and Tropic Thunder (2008), the latter earning critical praise for its satirical take on war movies. These projects demonstrate his ability to blend slapstick with sharp satire.
Ben Stiller Severance
Stiller serves as director and executive producer on the Apple TV+ series Severance, a psychological thriller about employees who undergo a procedure to separate their work and personal memories. The show premiered in 2022 and its second season aired in 2025. According to sources, Stiller was among the principal directors and executive producers across both seasons. He does not appear as an actor in the series, except for a cameo.
Stiller’s work on Severance marks a notable shift from pure comedy to prestige television. The series has been praised for its tone, pacing, and visual style, earning Stiller a new level of critical recognition as a director.
Who Is Ben Stiller’s Family?
Ben Stiller wife
Ben Stiller is married to actress Christine Taylor. The couple married on May 13, 2000. They have two children: a daughter, Ella Olivia, and a son, Quinlin Dempsey. Stiller and Taylor announced a separation in 2017 but later reconciled, with sources confirming the reconciliation by 2022.
Ben Stiller dad
Stiller’s father, Jerry Stiller, was a comedian and actor best known as half of the comedy duo Stiller and Meara and for his role on Seinfeld. Jerry Stiller came from an Ashkenazi Jewish family with roots in Eastern Europe and Poland. He passed away in 2020.
Ben Stiller young
Stiller’s mother, Anne Meara, was an actress and comedian of Irish Catholic background. She converted to Reform Judaism after marrying Jerry Stiller. Stiller was raised with exposure to both Jewish and Irish Catholic traditions. He often accompanied his parents to rehearsals and performances, which influenced his early interest in show business.
What Is Ben Stiller’s Net Worth and Height?
Ben Stiller net worth
Ben Stiller’s net worth is estimated at around $200 million as of 2025. However, estimates vary by source, ranging from $150 million to $250 million. No official disclosure of his finances exists, so all figures should be treated as approximate.
Net worth figures for celebrities often differ across publications. Stiller’s estimated worth of $200 million comes from entertainment finance trackers, but the exact amount is not publicly confirmed.
Ben Stiller height
Ben Stiller’s height is consistently reported as 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m). Multiple reliable sources, including IMDb and Wikipedia, agree on this measurement, making it one of the more certain biographical facts about him.
Ben Stiller: Career and Life Milestones
- 1965: Born in New York City to Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
- 1986: Appeared on Saturday Night Live as a cast member for one season.
- 1994: Directed and starred in Reality Bites, his directorial debut.
- 1998: Breakout role in There’s Something About Mary.
- 2000: Married actress Christine Taylor.
- 2001: Directed and starred in Zoolander, a cult comedy.
- 2004: Starred in Meet the Fockers.
- 2008: Directed, co-wrote, and starred in Tropic Thunder, earning critical praise.
- 2017: Announced separation from Christine Taylor (later reconciled in 2022).
- 2022: Directed and executive produced the Apple TV+ series Severance.
- 2025: Continues acting and directing; Severance season 2 airing.
What We Know and What’s Unclear About Ben Stiller
| Fact | Status |
|---|---|
| Height | Established: Confirmed at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m). Multiple reliable sources agree. |
| Net Worth | Unclear: Estimated at $200 million; varies by source ($150M–$250M). No official disclosure. |
| Marital Status | Established: Married to Christine Taylor, reconciled after separation. Confirmed by public appearances and interviews. |
| Role in Severance | Established: Confirmed as director and executive producer. Not an actor in the series (except cameo). |
Why Ben Stiller Matters: Analysis and Context
Stiller grew up watching his parents perform, shaping his early comedic timing. He brought a mix of slapstick and satire to 1990s and 2000s comedies, often writing and directing his own material. Films like Zoolander and Tropic Thunder have become cult classics, influencing meme culture and comedy styles.
While widely known for his acting roles, Stiller’s directorial work—especially the recent Severance—has elevated his reputation as a serious filmmaker. The show’s psychological thriller tone marks a departure from pure comedy and demonstrates his adaptability in the streaming era.
His continued relevance across film and television, from blockbuster comedies to prestige series, underscores his versatility. Stiller remains a significant figure in American entertainment, capable of both making audiences laugh and delivering thought-provoking drama.
Sources and Notable Quotations
“I’ve always felt that comedy can be a way to talk about things that are serious.”
— Ben Stiller, interview with The New York Times, 2022
“Working with Ben on Severance was a masterclass in tone and pacing.”
— Adam Scott, actor, interviewed on Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 2023
What’s Next for Ben Stiller
Severance season 2 is confirmed and continues streaming on Apple TV+. Stiller is also developing new film projects. Fans can follow his Instagram (@benstiller) for updates. No official announcements regarding major acting roles beyond 2025 have been made. For more biographical profiles of actors from the same era, read Tim Robbins – Biography, Films, Height, and Net Worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ben Stiller?
Ben Stiller was born on November 30, 1965. As of 2025, he is 59 years old.
What is Ben Stiller’s full name?
His full name is Benjamin Edward Meara Stiller.
What is Ben Stiller’s most famous movie?
Several films stand out: There’s Something About Mary, Zoolander, Meet the Parents, and Night at the Museum are among his most iconic.
Is Ben Stiller on Instagram?
Yes, he has an official Instagram account: @benstiller.
Where can I watch Severance?
Severance is available exclusively on Apple TV+.
How many children does Ben Stiller have?
He has two children with Christine Taylor: daughter Ella Olivia and son Quinlin Dempsey.
Did Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor separate?
Yes, they separated in 2017 but reconciled in 2022. They remain married as of 2025.
What was Ben Stiller’s first directorial film?
His directorial debut was Reality Bites (1994).
What is Ben Stiller’s height?
He is 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) tall.
What is Ben Stiller’s net worth?
It is estimated at around $200 million, but exact figures vary and are not officially disclosed.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.