At age eight, Ben Stiller had a profound realization when he went to his father Jerry’s film set for “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” In this 1974 thriller, which unfolded within the New York City subway system, Jerry (who gained fame decades later as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld) played a transit officer alongside Walter Matthau. The visit took place during a night shoot, with bright lights from massive cranes illuminating the bustling city streets near the Triborough Bridge.
Speaking from his Red Hour Productions office in the West Village, mid-January, Stiller (now 59) reflects upon a past memory as he gazes over the Hudson River. This view was similar to what he saw from his family’s apartment on Riverside Drive, approximately 70 blocks north, during his childhood. Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, Ben’s parents, were a renowned comedy duo who frequently appeared on shows like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. After visiting his father on set, young cinephile Ben would soon have his own subscription to American Cinematographer magazine, a collection of making-of film books, and even a start-of-production announcement for the 1980 Blues Brothers movie proudly displayed on his bedroom wall, ripped from one of his parents’ Variety magazines. “Growing up,” Ben recalls, “there was always performing happening in our home. However, I found myself drawn to the camera and everything surrounding the image.
Ben Stiller’s current endeavor, taking charge as executive producer and director for most episodes of the Apple TV+ series “Severance,” which commenced its second season on January 17, represents the realization of a lifelong dream. The show embodies a unique style of narrative, bridging genres with elements of suspense, drama, and comedy that were prevalent in cinema during the ’70s and have since been predominantly seen on television, particularly in shows like “Better Call Saul,” “Fargo,” and Stiller’s own 2018 miniseries, “Escape at Dannemora.” If not for his brief detour as a popular comedian in films such as “There’s Something About Mary” and “Zoolander” and franchises like “Meet the Parents” and “Night at the Museum,” this is likely the kind of project that young Ben had envisioned making.
In 2022, the initial run of “Severance” aired during the peak of the Great Resignation. This unique series by creator Dan Erickson, which explores work-life balance through an unusual lens – characters undergoing a procedure to split their consciousness between work and home – quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Ben Stiller’s industry connections paved the way for its production, while his creative vision and cinematic style, reminiscent of Kubrick, helped it garner 14 Emmy nominations and win a Peabody Award.
The second season has finally arrived after an extended wait of nearly three years, and amid expensive rewrites and reshoots at Stiller’s insistence. His pursuit of perfection seems to have been worth it, as critics applaud the show – it currently boasts a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes – and audiences alike.
While Apple TV+ typically keeps viewing data private, “Severance” has consistently ranked at the top since its season two premiere according to third-party charts.
As Judd Apatow, a long-time collaborator of mine, points out, what I’m doing now isn’t about resting on past achievements. Instead, it’s all about crafting a fresh blueprint for my career. And while I can’t say this was exactly the plan from the start, somewhere deep within me, this was always the path I envisioned treading as a gamer, an artist, and a storyteller.
The recognition arrives at a time when Stiller has, as he puts it, ceased his search for it. Instead, he’s been focusing inward over the past few years, with part of this introspection being fueled by the creation of a documentary about his parents. Sadly, Meara passed away in 2015 and Jerry followed in 2020. Stiller has spent the last four years meticulously working on this film, which Apple plans to release later this year. Initially, he wanted to simply make a movie about his parents without featuring himself. However, as the project progressed, he realized that if he was making this film, he had to be truthful about his perspective – a revelation that made him uncomfortable because it required self-examination.

***
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement about the mind-bending finale of “Severance” that left us all hanging in April 2022. Ever since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting answers about the fate of our beloved characters, particularly Adam Scott’s Mark and his enigmatic colleagues at Lumon Industries. It wasn’t until after the first season was released that I discovered “Severance” is often referred to as a ‘mystery box show’, a genre known for its puzzling narratives akin to series like “Lost” and “Stranger Things”. When I learned this, Ben Stiller, our creator, casually mentioned, “So you’re making a mystery.” My initial thought was, “Oh shit, I’m not ready for this!” But what I took from that was that viewers crave clarity and don’t appreciate being misled. With a show like this, there’s always the question, “Do they know where they’re going?”
Over time, even the cast has had to adapt to Stiller’s eccentric creative vision. Patricia Arquette, who played my boss in season one and worked with Stiller on “Escape at Dannemora”, confessed, “I found it very hard to understand the tone early on in season one, but I trusted Ben.” Eventually, he showed her some footage to help clarify.
Rest assured, fellow fans, that Stiller, Erickson, and the writers do indeed have a plan for this enigma. Even the most bewildering elements of season one, such as the basement filled with baby goats, will be resolved by the end of season two. So let’s keep the faith and eagerly anticipate the unraveling of “Severance”!
Due to a production halt for the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Stiller was able to devote ample time to refining season two of the show. During this period, when writers and actors were idle, Stiller, being a non-writing producer, worked on editing the initial seven episodes and made observations about aspects he wanted to revise, primarily focusing on expanding the backstories of Scott and Arquette’s characters, which required rewrites and reshoots. Stiller emphasizes the significance of having the opportunity to scrutinize the whole production and make necessary corrections or address concerns that linger in one’s mind. The show experienced a similar overhaul during season one due to a COVID-imposed break. According to Puck, this season of Severance is nearing a $20 million per episode budget. Stiller refrains from disclosing the show’s budget, stating that unforeseen events like these force majeure incidents have disrupted its normal flow, making it impossible to provide a straightforward figure. However, they never approached production with an “whatever it takes” mentality. Instead, they strived to create the show in the most effective and cost-efficient manner possible. Apple TV+ may be lenient towards the show’s high costs, as season one of Severance reportedly attracted over $200 million in new subscribers for the service, particularly internationally, according to Parrott Analytics.
In my gaming world, “Severance” sprang from the creative mind of Erickson, drawing inspiration from his monotonous days at a door factory, an intriguing detail that sets off a delightful Easter egg hunt in season two. During this round, Zach Cherry’s character, Dylan, attends a job interview at Great Doors. When asked what kind of door he would be, Dylan chooses “Pocket.” Back in 2016, Erickson presented the pilot script to Red Hour as a writing sample, all while juggling deliveries for Postmates. Before meeting Stiller, I was just another driver, grabbing a doughnut beforehand, worrying about not making a fool of myself that would haunt me forever. But by the end of our encounter, I truly felt that this could be a reality. Once Ben joined the team, everything shifted. All doors that I thought were permanently closed started swinging open.

Ben Stiller, who previously worked with actor Steve Carell in the 2013 comedy film ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’, chose him for the challenging lead role of Mark in his series. This character oscillates between a mourning, widowed home persona and an innocent, cheerful work persona. Stiller faced resistance from Apple when trying to cast Carell, who was primarily recognized for his work on NBC’s ‘Parks and Recreation’. Carell recalls, “At the time, I couldn’t really blame [Apple], as I was seen more as a comedic actor, and this role was quite a departure.” Stiller’s determination during the casting process was unprecedented for Carell. “I’ve never experienced anything like that before in show business,” Carell said. “No one had ever taken such a risk on my behalf.” For Stiller, Carell’s experience in workplace comedies made him an attractive choice. “The series is heavily influenced by ‘The Office’, ‘Parks and Recreation’, and ‘Office Space’, and that genre,” Stiller explains. “The humor in the script that Dan wrote was a part of that world but also had its own unique layer to it. The casting process was about finding someone who could handle that.”
The cast includes familiar faces such as John Turturro and Christopher Walken, who play employees at Lumon; experienced comedians like Paula Pell (Cherry); lesser-known actors like Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, and Jen Tullock; and Gwendoline Christie of ‘Game of Thrones’ in a minor but impactful role.
As a gamer diving into the latest season, let me tell you about an intense scene I had to navigate. This part demands me to swiftly switch between two contrasting characters repeatedly, and it’s a pivotal moment that sets the tone for the entire storyline. Ben Stiller, the director, mentioned it was “mind-numbing” to create this sequence.
We started rehearsing it five days before shooting, but every time we tried, we ended up tweaking the script. We kept saying, “Oh, no, no, he should say this instead.” By the end of it, I was left with a mere weekend to memorize about 15 pages of new dialogue. When asked about Ben’s demanding process, I responded that I had faith in his meticulous approach because I know I can trust him to pay attention to every minute detail.
After we finally finished filming the sequence, Ben said, “I remember thinking, ‘Oh my God, this thing is 17 or 18 minutes long. I hope it’s engaging.’
As a passionate gamer eagerly waiting for more “Severance”, I’m excited to hear that Ben Stiller has confirmed a writers room is active in L.A., and he hopes we won’t have to wait another three years this time around. Budgets might be tighter now compared to when the show was first greenlit, but Stiller believes it’ll continue to shine with its signature polish. After the strike, everyone’s approach to budgeting and spending has changed, but Apple TV+ has stayed true to the show’s essence and provided its support. Matt Cherniss, head of programming at Apple TV+, calls “Severance” an unparalleled success story in every way. To show their love for the show, even Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, made a cameo as a severed employee named “Tim C”, complete with the signature eye flutter that actors use when transitioning from outie to innie. Stiller hints that there are indeed similarities between Apple and the show, but they’re purely coincidental, from visuals to corporate culture elements. He assures us that they fully understand and appreciate the humor behind it all.
According to Stiller, he hasn’t felt any urge to portray a character in Severance, but he’s been effortlessly embracing his fame while promoting the series. He even recorded his castmates on his iPhone during an inventive marketing campaign that mimicked Lumon cubicles within New York’s Grand Central Station, and cheered from the audience as Andy Cohen interviewed Arquette and Christie on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live. On this particular evening, he’s off to a gig by Been Stellar, an indie rock band based in Brooklyn who have been inviting him, their namesake, to watch them perform for years.

***
The fundamental concept of the series “Severance“, which centers around individuals who undergo surgery to divide their work and personal lives, contrasts significantly with the lifestyle Stiller grew up in. “My parents’ creative endeavors were constantly ongoing at home due to their need to write and perform together,” he explains. “The advantage was it fostered a very creative environment; however, the downside was there was less distinction between work and home, leading to work and life essentially becoming intertwined, which added stress.” This environment shaped Stiller into an ambitious and intense individual, with a head start on his peers in grasping the challenges of maintaining a long-term career in the entertainment industry.
Ben Stiller spent a year at UCLA’s film school and created a 12-minute spoof of Martin Scorsese’s “The Color of Money.” This caught the notice of “Saturday Night Live,” and in 1989, at age 23, he joined the show as a writer and performer. However, what his colleague Bob Odenkirk found extraordinary was that Stiller left the show. As Odenkirk puts it, “He was incredibly bold to walk away from SNL and to have the conviction about himself and his career to say, ‘This isn’t working for me. I need to leave.'” Stiller himself attributes his departure not to confidence but self-awareness. He explains, “I simply knew that I wasn’t a strong live performer. It made me anxious. Just thinking about it stresses me out. Making movies, on the other hand, is the opposite of that. You get multiple chances to get it right.

During that period, Ben Stiller had a chance to produce a show for MTV featuring filmed segments. Known as The Ben Stiller Show, this production eventually transferred to Fox, where Stiller claims he began honing his directing skills. He approached even the most absurd concepts written by Odenkirk and others with an intense focus on detail, such as a parody titled “Manson,” filmed in the style of the 1950s Lassie series, with Charles Manson portraying a family pet. According to Odenkirk, Stiller was quite serious about his directing during this time, discussing film stock and lenses, even for parodies on a comedy sketch show airing on Fox.

As a gamer, I embarked on my journey as a filmmaker with my debut feature, the 90’s Gen X classic “Reality Bites,” where I took on both the director’s chair and a minor role for my mom. However, it was my comedic performances that truly resonated with audiences, such as chasing Cameron Diaz in “There’s Something About Mary” directed by the Farrelly brothers, or playing the nervous son-in-law, once labeled as a ‘hood ornament for anxiety,’ in Jay Roach’s “Meet the Parents.” Odenkirk, my colleague, aptly described my character as one who was constantly under pressure and ready to explode at any moment. Perhaps this was because I was a deep thinker, keeping much inside, always holding on to a quiet strength.
In the realm of acting, I’ve been part of films that have amassed over $3 billion domestically, an impressive feat for someone who initially harbored different aspirations. Apatow, my fellow artist, foresaw my rise as a comedy star due to my natural humor and charm. Yet, it was a tough decision to set aside several years to direct a feature film when I had a string of excellent acting opportunities coming my way. Directing took a significant chunk out of my acting career – a genuine sacrifice that I made willingly.

In 2000, Ben Stiller tied the knot with actress Christine Taylor, and they collaborated on films such as “Zoolander”, “Dodgeball”, and “Tropic Thunder”. Together, they welcomed two children. Ben’s parents, who had been married for an impressive 60 years, often disagreed about the impact their careers had on their relationship. According to Ben, his father was determined to transform their bond into a profitable comedy act, but this wasn’t always appreciated by his mother. Despite her reservations, she excelled at it, and this strained their relationship.
or
Ben Stiller married Christine Taylor in 2000 and teamed up with her on movies like “Zoolander”, “Dodgeball”, and “Tropic Thunder”, welcoming two children together. His parents had been married for 60 years, but they often disagreed about the role their careers played in their lives. Ben explains that his father aimed to turn their relationship into a successful comedy act, which his mother didn’t always appreciate. However, she was very skilled at it, and this sometimes put a strain on their bond.
Reflecting on my past, I unwittingly mimicked a part of my parents’ dynamic in managing my own career. If my movies didn’t succeed, it felt like a personal blow to me. In 2017, Taylor and I parted ways. During the pandemic, we chose to stay together in our New York home with our kids. After months apart, we decided to reconcile, which surprised me. “I never thought we’d get back together,” I admit. “But when we separated, there was a piece of me that wasn’t ready to let go just yet. Perhaps some of that stemmed from observing my parents. I deeply care for Christine, my family, and I wasn’t prepared to say ‘that’s it’ so easily.”
Even though work still captivates me, I’ve learned to strike a balance. “Sometimes I need to be reminded to take a break,” I confess. “But I also cherish spending quality time with my family, Christine, and having fun together. So I’m grateful that I didn’t miss out on enjoying those moments.
***
Stiller’s children, Ella, 22, and Quinlin, 19, have expressed interest in following in their father’s footsteps and becoming actors. “I sense the same feelings I had,” he admits. “I recognize their talent and their passion for it, and I wholeheartedly endorse it. At the same time, I’m aware that this profession can be tough, and as a concerned parent, I don’t want them to experience the hardships.” Stiller’s children have been exposed to show business just like he was, and his pride in their interest is mixed with concern. “I’m relieved that despite any mistakes I may have made as a parent or being too engrossed in my work, they haven’t shied away from this path.
Regarding Stiller’s meticulous work on “Severance”, Odenkirk believes his friend has become more laid-back as he grows older. “Even if anyone criticizes Ben, he already knows about it,” Odenkirk says. “That’s a positive trait, but it can be a burden when you’re young and haven’t dealt with any of it yet. However, I feel he has faced a lot, and he seems to be a more content person now, moving more comfortably in the world. It’s tough to endure what we go through while maintaining the standards that he does.

After wrapping up his documentary about his parents, Stiller is uncertain about his next venture, but he’s eager for it to involve directing a feature film. He expresses that working on such a project would be enjoyable since it would span approximately two hours. For the time being, he finds it challenging to move on from the documentary. He admits that he might miss working on it, as it provided him with an opportunity to spend extended periods observing his parents.
During his research for the documentary, he stumbled upon an old Super 8 home movie taken when his family visited Spain around the age of 6 or 7. The footage showed them attending what’s known as a non-violent bullfight, where the bull isn’t harmed. An announcer invited someone from the crowd to step into the ring, and Jerry volunteered. In the video, Jerry doesn’t interact with the bull directly, but he handles two pokers and skillfully dodges any charges. “I was astounded,” Stiller recalls. “He was brave enough to enter the arena with a bull.
Stiller acknowledges that he embodies traits from both his parents. He admits his humor is reminiscent of his mother’s, while his readiness to take on challenges he attributes to his father. In his words, “There needs to be something within you that tells you – ‘I don’t mind what others say, I am going to go ahead and do this thing.’

Here’s an engaging way I could rephrase that statement in first person, as a passionate reader or fan:
“I recently came across an intriguing story in the February 5th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. If you haven’t already, consider subscribing to get more captivating tales like this one!
Read More
- Katrina Kaif’s Stunning Reaction to Vicky Kaushal’s Chhaava Trailer Will Leave You Speechless!
- Damon Wayans on Why He “Purposefully” Got Himself Fired From ‘SNL’: “I Snapped”
- ‘Hot Ones’ Host Sean Evans Teases Oscar Plans: “I Actually Just Got Fitted for My Tux”
- AMBUSH Delves Into Its Archives for New Book With Rizzoli
- ‘Violent Night 2’ Writers Discuss Who Could Star as Mrs. Claus
- L.A. Rams NFL Playoff Game Moves to Arizona Due to Wildfires
- Charlie Cox Confirms ‘Daredevil: Born Again’ Season 2 Filming Soon
- Azaad actress Rasha Thadani reacts to comparison with Suhana Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor; ‘They have already…’
- Major League Soccer Will Move Studio Shows to WWE Headquarters in Expanded Deal with IMG
- Path of Exile 2: How To Find & Unlock the Realmgate
2025-02-05 17:27