Ben Stiller Reveals Parenting Regrets in New Documentary

Ben Stiller, the acclaimed actor and director, explores his experiences and regrets as a father in his new documentary, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost. The film delves into the life of Ben’s parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, unraveling their 61-year marriage and the impact of their careers on family life.

Reflecting on Parenthood

At 59 years old, Stiller candidly examines his own shortcomings in parenting. He shares insights about his marital experiences, specifically relating to his relationship with his wife, Christine Taylor, and their children, Ella, 23, and Quin, 20. In an October interview, he expressed his desire to do better as a father compared to his own upbringing.

Lessons from the Past

Stiller recalls feeling the absence of his parents during his childhood. His parents often worked late nights in New York or traveled to Los Angeles, leaving him and his sister, Amy, feeling neglected. He acknowledges the difficulty in forging strong bonds with children when parents are preoccupied with careers.

Parental Regrets

• Stiller regrets not being present during his children’s formative years, stating, “Like any parent, I remember things that weren’t happy about my childhood.”
• In the documentary, he reveals troubling comments from his daughter, Ella, who said she can hardly recall him being around. His son, Quin, echoes similar sentiments about feeling sidelined at times.
• Stiller also discusses a significant regret regarding his decision to cut Ella from his film, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, calling it “the worst decision” of his life.

Confronting His Own Mistakes

Stiller reflects on the moments when he was away from his children due to filming commitments. He recalls telling Quin about his departure for Night at the Museum 3 and how it mirrored his childhood experiences of missing his own parents.

Shared Challenges of Fame

Stiller addresses how his public persona and family dynamics have affected his children. He recalls a moment when he expressed his feelings of neglect to his father, only to have fans approach Jerry Stiller for his attention.

Quin shares his frustrations with his father’s fame, emphasizing how it sometimes overshadows their personal experiences together.

Upcoming Availability

Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost is currently screening in select theaters and will be available for streaming on Apple TV+ starting October 24. The documentary is a profound exploration of family dynamics, love, and the often complicated reality of parenting.