Ben Stiller Explores Parents' Comedic Legacy in Poignant Documentary

In October 2025, actor and director Ben Stiller will premiere his documentary "Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost" at the New York Film Festival. The film explores Stiller's relationship with his parents, comedians Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, following his father's death in 2020 and Stiller's personal struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Stiller, now 59, says he began considering the project after his father's passing, as he found himself searching for answers about his parents' decades-long marriage and comedic partnership. The documentary features never-before-seen family archives, including audio recordings of the couple's comedy rehearsals and Stiller's father's extensive collection of personal mementos.

Through the film, Stiller aims to understand the "stress and tension" he remembers from his childhood, as well as the "pressure" his parents faced while working together. Ultimately, he hopes to uncover how his parents, who were married for over 60 years until Meara's death in 2015, were able to maintain their relationship despite the challenges of their careers.

After separating from his wife Christine Taylor for a few years, Stiller has since reconciled with her, announcing their reunion in 2022. The documentary's premiere comes as Stiller continues to reflect on his own personal and professional journey, guided by the lessons he's learned from his parents' enduring partnership.