Ben Stiller and his father, Jerry Stiller, are showing a different side in some whimsical home videos. In a new documentary, “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost,” viewers get an intimate look at the Stiller family’s life, focusing on Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara’s experience with parenthood and stardom. The exclusive clip shared with PEOPLE offers a glimpse into Ben Stiller’s childhood through these home videos, featuring Ben, his sister Amy, and their famous parents.
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As the documentary reveals, Ben’s father Jerry had a habit of documenting everything, capturing special moments and everyday antics of the family. In one scene shown in the clip, a young Ben is seen sledging with his dad providing a voiceover. Another clip features Amy interviewing their dad at a pool, where he amusingly pretends to be an “Italian diver.” Ben reflects on how Jerry used to create entertaining characters when they were kids, a trait that Ben appears to have inherited as well.
Ben’s daughter, Ella, also joins in on the fun, sharing in the documentary how she and her father enjoy creating and embodying these imaginative characters together. The Stiller family, including Ella and Ben’s son Quinn, are shown playfully acting out a scene with one of Ben’s own “crazy characters,” highlighting the interconnectedness and humour that runs through generations in their family.
The documentary, which premiered at the New York Film Festival, delves into the parallels between Ben’s life and relationships and those of his parents. Ben discloses the realisation that despite his efforts to improve upon his parents’ approach to parenting, he unwittingly replicated some of the same patterns. While Ben thought he was doing better by making time for his children, he acknowledges that his kids perceived similar challenges to those he faced growing up.
Following the passing of Anne Meara in 2015 and Jerry Stiller in 2020, Ben found himself reflecting on his own family dynamics during a brief separation from his wife, Christine Taylor. The documentary served as a way for Ben to explore and understand how his parents navigated their personal and professional lives, inspiring him to seek insights into their enduring bond.
“Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost” offers a poignant reflection on family, creativity, and the legacy that spans generations. The film will be available to stream on Apple TV+ starting on October 24th, providing audiences with an intimate and heartwarming insight into the lives of the Stiller family. Through these charming home videos and candid interviews, viewers can witness the enduring spirit of love and laughter that binds Ben Stiller, his father Jerry, and their family together.