Ben Stiller Explores Family Legacy in New Documentary

NEW YORK, NY — Ben Stiller is set to honor the legacies of his famous parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, in a new documentary titled Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost. The film will premiere in select theaters on October 17 and stream on Apple TV+ starting October 24, 2025.

The documentary, which debuted at the New York Film Festival on October 5, offers a deep dive into the lives of the iconic comedic duo and their influence on Stiller’s life. In the film, Ben reflects on his upbringing and the emotional complexities of parenthood as he shares insights from his own journey as a father.

“I feel very fortunate to be partnering once again with the incredible team at Apple TV+. This project is very personal to me and my family,” Stiller stated. He emphasized the honor of celebrating his parents while also highlighting how their legacy has shaped his own life.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Stiller, now 59, discussed the challenges of parenthood, his marriage to actress Christine Taylor, and the impact of his parents’ work on his own family dynamics. He shares that raising their two children, Ella and Quinn, has been more complicated than it seemed. “I probably f—ked up more with my kids than my parents did with us,” he candidly expressed.

The Stiller-Taylor family faced significant challenges during their three-year separation from 2017 to 2020. This period caused strain on their relationship with their children, something Stiller openly regrets. He noted, “A long relationship is hard. You lose the freshness.”

However, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in unexpected healing. Forced to spend time together due to lockdowns, the couple reconciled, allowing for open discussions regarding their difficulties. “I’m so grateful for it,” Stiller said about their reunion.

Stiller also addressed the trials of being a parent and a public figure, acknowledging the pressure to uphold his family’s legacy. The retrospective nature of Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost serves as both a tribute and self-exploration.

As Stiller continues to explore his family’s past and his relationship with his children, he recognizes the significance of the bonds formed in their early years. “The bonds you form with your kids when they’re young are so important,” he noted, reflecting on his own parenting mistakes.