Ben Stiller Reveals Family Feud with Danny Kaye on Internet Talk Show

PARIS, France — Actor Ben Stiller shared a personal anecdote involving a longstanding family feud with legendary entertainer Danny Kaye during a recent guest appearance on the Konboni Video Club, a popular online talk show.

During the episode, which aired April 17, 2025, Stiller discussed a variety of films, including his own works and cinematic classics. He expressed his affection for Andrei Tarkovsky’s film Stalker and humorously referenced his iconic comedy There’s Something About Mary, known for its memorable scenes.

The actor also took a moment to highlight his 2013 remake of Kaye’s classic film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. “This film was a passion project for me, and it faced many ups and downs in the decade prior to its release,” Stiller explained. “But I wasn’t a big fan of the original as a kid. My parents had a reason for that.”

Stiller’s parents, Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, were a successful comedy duo known as Stiller and Meara. He recounted how Kaye had a significant impact on their professional journey. “They were part of a television special with him in the 1960s, and apparently, he fired them,” Stiller revealed, prompting laughter from the show’s crew.

“Because of that incident, we never really warmed up to Danny Kaye in our household,” he continued. “He was the guy who dismissed my parents.” Although the specific special that led to their dismissal remains unclear, it demonstrates the complexities of Hollywood relationships.

Despite the family history, Stiller acknowledged Kaye’s immense talent. “I don’t know what really happened back then, but he was incredibly talented,” Stiller said. “My version of Walter Mitty is nothing like his; it’s more of an adaptation of James Thurber’s original short story.”

Stiller’s remarks provide a glimpse into the personal experiences that shaped his views both as a filmmaker and as an individual. His revelation about his family’s history sheds light on the often-complicated ties in the entertainment industry.