Ben Stiller’s nepo-baby kids slam star for ‘never being around’ during their childhood

by

In a new documentary, Ben Stiller’s children revealed he was often away during their growing-up years.

In a new AppleTV+ documentary called *Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost*, 59-year-old actor and producer Ben Stiller shares his thoughts on being a father and looks back at the 61-year marriage of his parents, Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller.

He once shared a heartbreaking memory: his 23-year-old daughter, Ella, told him she honestly didn’t remember him being present much during her childhood.

His son, Quin, explained that when things went wrong or he had a difficult day, it was easy to get stuck in negative thoughts. Once he was in that headspace, it was hard to enjoy even being on vacation.

I’ve always admired how he juggles everything. He explained it like trying to balance a ton of hats – director, actor, producer, writer… all while being a dad. And honestly, he admitted sometimes he felt like being a father got put on the back burner with everything else going on. It really resonated with me, because it’s so relatable to see someone so successful be so open about that struggle.

The Zoolander sensation shares his two kids with longtime wife Christine Taylor, 54. 

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times about the documentary, he explained that, like all parents, he reflects on difficult parts of his own childhood and strives to do better for his children.

I came to understand that repeating some of my parents’ mistakes was unavoidable. While I generally have a good relationship with my children, it hasn’t always been easy and we’ve had our difficult moments.

He realized he hadn’t understood something important when his children were little. He used to think being a good provider meant working a lot, even if it meant being away. But now he understands how crucial it is to build strong connections with your kids during their early years.

Ben grew up alongside older sister Amy Stiller, 64, while their parents worked in showbiz. 

He said their mom and dad’s careers ‘totally affected’ them.

The dad remembered feeling really homesick when his children were away. When they returned, he and his sister would often put on performances – they’d act out the musical *Jesus Christ Superstar* or something similar, right in the living room.

He confessed, ‘But, then, I probably f***ed up more with my kids than my parents did with us.’

In his documentary, Ben also talked with Ella about how much he regretted leaving her out of one of his movies.

She was set to appear in her first major movie, 2013’s *Secret Life of Walter Mitty*, which was directed by and starred her famous father in the lead role. He also helped produce the film.

After filming, he changed his mind and decided to cut the scene featuring his daughter from the final movie.

She had starred as the much younger sister of her dad’s character, Odessa Mitty.

In the documentary, Ben admits he regrets removing someone from ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,’ calling it ‘probably the worst decision I ever made.’

Ella, however, argued that the scene ‘didn’t make sense in the movie.’

“It’s a bit more personal than that,” Ben explained to his daughter. “It reminds me of my own tendency to get too caught up in work, or my need to be a perfectionist.”

Read More

2025-10-17 23:48