Ben Stiller, born in 1965 in New York City, built a career spanning screenwriting, comedy, and directing. With a background shaped by his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, he moved from early short films and television sketches to starring in commercial successes like Madagascar and Night at the Museum, establishing himself as a fixture of American cinema.
Early Career and Education
Stiller attended the Cathedral School of St. John the Divine and the Calhoun School before enrolling at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television. After leaving university, he performed in the 1986 Broadway revival of The House of Blue Leaves. He gained attention for his short film The Hustler of Money, a parody that led to a writing position on Saturday Night Live. His television experience continued with the 1990 series The Ben Stiller Show, which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Film and Franchise Work
Throughout the late 1990s and 2000s, Stiller emerged as a key member of the Frat Pack. He played lead roles in numerous comedy films including There's Something About Mary, Zoolander, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story, and Tropic Thunder. His commercial impact is highlighted by his involvement in high-grossing franchises such as the Madagascar series and the Night at the Museum films. These roles cemented his reputation for slapstick humor and sharp wit.
Directing and Recent Projects
Stiller debuted as a feature director with Reality Bites in 1994 and subsequently directed projects like The Cable Guy, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, and Zoolander 2. In recent years, he transitioned toward showrunning and television direction. He directed the 2018 limited series Escape at Dannemora and has served as a director and executive producer for the Apple TV series Severance since 2022. Additionally, he became a goodwill ambassador in 2018.
Music and Personal Interests
Before his prominence in film, Stiller was the drummer for the post-punk band Capital Punishment. The group released an album titled Roadkill in 1982 and reunited in 2018 for an EP release. Beyond his professional endeavors, he is a self-identified Trekkie and was raised in a household practicing Judaism, eventually participating in a bar mitzvah.
Fast facts
- Born: 1965, New York City
- Citizenship: United States
- Notable Works: Madagascar, Night at the Museum
- MTV Movie Award for Best Villain: 2005
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Band: Capital Punishment
- Goodwill Ambassador: 2018
Questions readers ask
What early television work earned Ben Stiller an Emmy?
He won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series for his work on The Ben Stiller Show.
Did Ben Stiller have a musical background?
Yes, he was the drummer for the post-punk band Capital Punishment, which released the album Roadkill in 1982.
Achievements
- Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series
- Notable work: Madagascar
- Notable work: Night at the Museum
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television and Calhoun School
- Worked as screenwriter, film producer and actor
