Jerry Stiller facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Stiller
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Stiller and Meara in 1965
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Gerald Isaac Stiller
June 8, 1927 New York City, U.S.
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| Died | May 10, 2020 (aged 92) |
| Alma mater | Syracuse University (B.A.) |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor |
| Years active | 1953–2016 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2; including Ben Stiller |
Gerald Isaac Stiller (born June 8, 1927 – died May 10, 2020) was a famous American comedian and actor. He was well-known for his comedy team, Stiller and Meara, with his wife, Anne Meara. Later, he became even more famous for playing funny dads on TV. He played Frank, George Costanza's dad, on the TV show Seinfeld. He also played Arthur Spooner on the comedy series The King of Queens.
Jerry Stiller was the father of actor Ben Stiller. They even acted together in movies like Zoolander and The Heartbreak Kid. Jerry Stiller often played characters who were a bit wild, angry, but also thoughtful.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Jerry Stiller was the oldest of four children. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 8, 1927. His parents were Bella and William Stiller. His family was Jewish. His grandparents came from a place called Galicia, which is now part of Poland and Ukraine.
After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Jerry went to Syracuse University. He studied Speech and Drama and earned his degree in 1950. In 1953, he acted in a play called Coriolanus. A famous director said Jerry was one of the best Shakespearean clowns he had ever seen.
In 1953, Jerry met another actor and comedian, Anne Meara. They got married in 1954. Anne had never thought about doing comedy before Jerry suggested it. He believed she would be a great comedy partner. They joined an improvisational group called The Compass Players. After that, they started performing together as a team. By 1962, they were very popular across the country.
Stiller and Meara: A Comedy Team
The comedy team of Stiller and Meara was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. They appeared many times on popular TV shows like The Ed Sullivan Show. As variety shows became less common, their TV appearances slowed down. However, they found new success by making funny radio commercials, like for Blue Nun wine. They even had their own short TV sketch comedy show called Take Five with Stiller and Meara from 1977 to 1978.
From 1979 to 1982, Jerry and Anne hosted a show called HBO Sneak Previews. On this show, they talked about upcoming movies and programs. They also performed comedy sketches. In 1986, they tried to have their own TV show called The Stiller and Meara Show. Jerry played a deputy mayor, and Anne played his wife, an actress. But this show was not very successful.
Becoming a TV Star
Playing Frank Costanza in Seinfeld
Jerry Stiller played the short-tempered Frank Costanza on the TV show Seinfeld. He was on the show from 1993 to 1998. Frank was the father of the character George Costanza. Jerry was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1997 for his role. He also won an American Comedy Award for being the funniest male guest on a TV series.
Arthur Spooner in The King of Queens
After Seinfeld ended, Jerry Stiller thought about retiring. But actor Kevin James asked him to join the cast of The King of Queens. Kevin James played the main character, Doug Heffernan. He told Jerry that he really needed him for the show to be a success. Jerry agreed and played Arthur Spooner, the father of Carrie Heffernan. He was on the show from 1998 until 2007. Jerry said this role was one of the most challenging for him as an actor.
Other Fun Roles
Jerry Stiller also appeared in funny skits for the Canadian rock band Rush. These skits were shown at their concerts in 2004. You can see them on the band's DVD called Rush R30: 30th Anniversary World Tour. He also made guest appearances on game shows like $10,000 Pyramid and Tattletales with his wife.
In the late 1990s, Jerry Stiller was in TV commercials for Nike. He played the ghost of a famous football coach, Vince Lombardi. He also appeared in movies like Zoolander (2001). On February 9, 2007, Jerry and Anne received a joint star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They also appeared on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in 2010. Jerry was also the voice of the announcer on the children's show Crashbox.
Writing Books
Jerry Stiller wrote the introduction for a book called Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us. This book came out in 2005. He also wrote his own book about his life and marriage called Married to Laughter: A Love Story Featuring Anne Meara.
Family Life
Jerry Stiller was married to Anne Meara from 1954 until she passed away on May 23, 2015. They met in an agent's office. Anne was upset, and Jerry offered to buy her coffee. They were together ever since. Their son is the actor and comedian Ben Stiller, born in 1965. Their daughter is actress Amy Stiller, born in 1961. Jerry had two grandchildren through his son Ben.
On May 11, 2020, Jerry's son, Ben, announced that his father had passed away. Jerry Stiller was 92 years old and died from natural causes.
Images for kids
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Stiller and Meara publicity photo with an autograph, 1965
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Stiller in 2006
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Stiller's son Ben
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See also
In Spanish: Jerry Stiller para niños
