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Ben Stiller opens a deeply personal chapter with the documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, available in select theaters on October 17 and on Apple TV+ from October 24. Revisiting the legendary careers and loving partnership of his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, this film paints an intimate portrait of two timeless figures in American comedy.
A remarkable duo on and off stage
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were more than just entertainers; they were partners in every sense of the word. Married for 61 years, they formed one of the most beloved and enduring comedy duos in American entertainment. From the 1960s through the 1970s, they became staples of national television, appearing on classics like The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Their charisma, timing, and onstage chemistry was a direct reflection of the real-life connection they shared.
What’s fascinating in the upcoming documentary is how it captures not only their professional journey but also the behind-the-scenes complexity of their relationship. This wasn’t just about getting laughs — it was about surviving as a couple in the spotlight, about recognizing when artistic collaboration affects happiness.
Ben dives into this tension delicately, without overdramatizing. The film doesn’t romanticize their story; instead, it embraces the reality of marriages under pressure, especially when work and love become indistinguishable. To read Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton face off in 2026’s Apex trailer
When work blends with family
The trailer sets the tone: nostalgic, warm, sometimes chaotic, and even a little painful. Through never-before-seen archival footage and home recordings, the viewer is immersed in the heart of the family. Ben Stiller remembers hearing laughter and arguments from his parents’ bedroom, unable to tell if it was real life or material being rehearsed. That blurry line between performance and reality shaped his understanding of love, work, and trust.
Amy Stiller, Ben’s sister, lightens the moment with a perfectly placed quip: “We don’t know, Ben. That’s why we’re so messed up.” It works, because it’s honest and revealing. Growing up with parents who were also a public act brings its own brand of confusion and complexity.
One particularly touching moment in the trailer features Ben’s son, Quinlin. He comments on his father’s attempt to balance being a creator and a dad, reflecting on the generational echoes of fame, family, and emotional availability. This is, in many ways, an inheritance — one that’s both a gift and a burden.
When love chooses to pause the performance
In 1970, Jerry and Anne made the decision to end their creative partnership in order to save their marriage. It wasn’t an easy choice, but it was the right one. The film doesn’t treat this as the end of an era, but more as a moment of clarity and growth. Their love had to survive beyond the act.
What’s beautiful — and quite moving — is to see how they both carved their own paths afterward. Jerry found renewed success as Frank Costanza in Seinfeld and played the eccentric Arthur Spooner in The King of Queens. Anne continued acting too, with appearances in series like Archie Bunker’s Place. Their arcs split professionally, but not emotionally. To read Ranking Shyamalan’s Hits: Which Film Defines His Legacy?
Jerry’s voice, near the end of the trailer, resonates in a way few lines do: “Whatever you say, I hear you forever. You will never be lost.” It’s an audio clip that lingers powerfully. It’s more than a tribute — it’s a promise.
For fans of heartfelt documentaries and of comedy history alike, here’s what makes Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost worth watching:
- A rare behind-the-scenes look at two comedy pioneers
- Honest insights from their children and grandchildren
- A poignant reflection on love, family, and career
- Archival material that’s never been shared publicly before
As a viewer who’s always been drawn to stories that mix brilliance with vulnerability, this documentary feels particularly special and meaningful. It’s both a personal love letter and a historical account. And it reminds us that behind every showbiz couple, there’s a real story — often messier, sometimes funnier, always deeply human than we imagine.
