Ben Stiller Releases Documentary Exploring Parents Jerry Stiller Anne Meara Marriage and Legacy

Ben Stiller's documentary "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost," which premiered in theaters before streaming on Apple TV+, offers a deeply personal tribute to his parents, the renowned comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. The film, originally a private memorial project begun after Jerry Stiller's death in 2020, evolved into a candid exploration of their six-decade marriage, blending comedy with complex family dynamics and revealing both the humor and tensions behind their public personas. It features archival footage, personal letters, and interviews, including insights from family and colleagues, portraying how Anne's dream of serious acting contrasted with her comedy career and the blurred lines between their stage act and real marriage. The documentary highlights their iconic partnership, which included 36 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show," and delves into the challenges of balancing love, ambition, and personal struggles, including Anne's conversion to Judaism and the impact of fame on family life. Through this intimate film, Ben Stiller not only honors his parents' legacy but also reflects on his own upbringing and the complicated intersection of family and performance. Critics have noted the film's heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of a legendary comedy couple whose personal and professional lives were inseparably intertwined.