Ben Stiller: "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost" – A Tribute to Comedy Icons

Ben Stiller is set to direct and produce a deeply personal documentary titled Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, premiering on Apple TV+ on October 24, 2025. This film offers an intimate look into the lives of his parents, comedy legends Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, who were renowned both for their successful solo careers and as a beloved comedy duo in the 1960s and '70s. The documentary aims to explore their impact on popular culture and their family life, where the lines between creativity, family, life, and art often blurred. 

 

Ben Stiller wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on July 23, 2025: 

"This is a film I've been working on for a while. It is coming out Oct. 17th. It's about (our) family and parents and kids and creativity and other stuff too." 

 

On BlueSky he wrote: 

"A film I made about our family is coming out Oct. 17th. Happy it’s finally completed and excited to share. 💙"

🎬 Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost – A Tribute to Comedy Icons

In this heartfelt documentary, Ben Stiller delves into the legacy of his parents, Jerry and Anne, highlighting their enduring influence on comedy and their profound impact on his own life. Through personal anecdotes, rare footage, and insights from family members, the film paints a portrait of a couple who seamlessly blended their personal and professional lives, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. 

Jerry Stiller, known for his roles in Seinfeld, The King of Queens, and The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, and Anne Meara, celebrated for her performances in Night at the Museum, captivated audiences with their unique comedic chemistry. Together, they formed the iconic duo Stiller & Meara, making numerous appearances on variety shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. 

Their partnership was not just professional but deeply personal, as they navigated the challenges of balancing family life with their careers. Ben Stiller reflects on how their relationship shaped his understanding of love, creativity, and resilience. 

 

📅 Mark Your Calendars

Don't miss this poignant exploration of love, legacy, and laughter. Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost premieres on Apple TV+ on October 24, 2025. Join Ben Stiller as he honors the enduring legacy of his parents and their unparalleled contribution to the world of comedy. 

This documentary not only celebrates the comedic genius of Jerry and Anne but also offers a touching glimpse into the personal side of two of entertainment's most beloved figures. It's a must-watch for fans of comedy, family stories, and those interested in the rich tapestry of Hollywood history.  

Happy Birthday Quinlin Stiller!

Ben Stiller wrote on Twitter (now X):
"Happy 20th to the kid who somehow ended up between Dame and Steph. 💙". 

Wishing you all the best, Quinlin! 🎉👏🥰 

May you have the courage to walk your own path – even when it goes against the current.
The wisdom to choose what is true.
The strength to stand by what is good.
And a heart that stays tender, no matter the spotlight or the shadows it casts.

May each step lead you closer to where you truly want to be.
Grateful for your presence in this world – and believing in all the beauty that lies ahead. 

Why Even Stars Make Mistakes – The Ben Stiller and Good Will Hunting Case

🎥 “Good Will Hunting”  

Even the most seasoned and successful actors sometimes make decisions they later regret. Ben Stiller, an actor and director known for Zoolander, Tropic Thunder, or The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, recently admitted that he once passed on the opportunity to direct one of the most iconic films of the 1990s, Good Will Hunting: 

“By the way, I have passed on things that I then regretted for sure… like Good Will Hunting.” 

 

Still from Good Will Hunting. Photo: © Be Gentlemen Limited Partnership, Lawrence Bender Productions, Miramax Films

 

🎭 The Missed Chance

Ben Stiller reveals that he received the Good Will Hunting script early on. It was handed to him by his agent, but at that time, two unknown young actors – Matt Damon and Ben Affleck – were attached to star in the film. That gave him pause: 

“The first turn-off was that these two guys were attached to it to act in it. I was like, what? Come on… who are they?” 

This perfectly illustrates a classic showbiz dilemma: the hesitation to trust new faces, unproven talents, and untested scripts. Stiller didn’t see the potential in the pair of ambitious newcomers – and walked away. We all know how that ended. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck not only starred in the movie but also won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. In 1998, Affleck was 25 years old when he starred in the film, while Damon was 27, making them two of the youngest Oscar winners in that category. The film became a critical and cultural phenomenon. 

🧠 What Can We Lears From This? 

1. No one has perfect instincts – not even those with extensive experience and a proven track record.
   
2. The unknown can hide genius – Ben Stiller admitted that he was discouraged by the screenplay's unfamiliar names. Yet, this is where a new era of Hollywood was born. 
3. Regret is part of the game – Regret over a rejected opportunity is an inevitable part of every career. The question is: what do we do with it? 

💬 "You never really know" 

 This sentence could easily serve as a motto for every creative person. You never know what will become your breakthrough. You never know who’s a "no-name" today and a legend tomorrow. And sometimes... you just have to trust your instincts — or take a leap of faith. 

✨ A Universal Truth

Everyone has that one “what if” moment. That job we didn’t take. That person we didn’t call back. That risk we didn’t believe in. Ben Stiller’s story proves that this feeling connects all of us – regardless of whether we’re sitting in a cubicle or directing blockbusters.

So next time you’re kicking yourself over a missed opportunity, remember: even Ben Stiller passed on Good Will Hunting. 

And he turned out just fine. 

Dorothea