Ben Stiller’s upcoming 2025 documentary, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, offers an unprecedented look into the lives of his iconic comedian parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, revealing not only their celebrated partnership but also the private challenges of fame, absence, and Anne’s battle with alcoholism, offering fans a poignant and deeper understanding of their enduring legacy.
For decades, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were synonymous with laughter, a dynamic comedic duo whose chemistry lit up stages and television screens across America. Their enduring partnership spanned over 60 years, captivating audiences with their quick wit and relatable humor. However, a new 2025 documentary by their son, acclaimed actor and director Ben Stiller, promises to peel back the curtain, revealing the complex realities and personal challenges that underpinned their public success.
Titled Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, the film, which premiered at the New York Film Festival in October 2025, explores the profound impact of their celebrity on their family, touching on themes of creative dedication, parental absence, and the private struggles, including Anne Meara’s long battle with alcoholism. It offers a fan-centric perspective, moving beyond the public personas to understand the human story behind the legends.
The Iconic Duo: Stiller & Meara’s Rise to Stardom
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara’s journey began in 1953 when they first met, marrying the following year. They quickly discovered a unique comedic synergy, forming a duo that would become a household name. They were among the earliest members of Chicago’s renowned Second City improv troupe, a breeding ground for future comedic legends.
Their careers skyrocketed in the 1960s and 1970s, making them recurring guests on The Ed Sullivan Show and eventually hosting their own short-form series. This period of immense popularity, however, came with its own set of challenges for their children, Ben and his sister Amy Stiller. Ben reflects in the documentary that while he and Amy loved being part of that world, the creative demands often took their parents away from them. “The flip side was, it took our parents away from us, which any creative endeavor does,” Stiller noted in an interview with Time. “You have a creative parent, part of them is going to be dedicated to their creativity, if they’re a real artist. They can’t deny that.”
Jerry Stiller: Beyond the Duo
Before his comedic ascent, Jerry Stiller served in the U.S. Army during World War II, returning home to study at Syracuse University and participate in various New York theatre productions. While his partnership with Anne Meara defined much of his early career, Jerry later found renewed fame in iconic television roles.
He is perhaps best remembered as the curmudgeonly Frank Costanza, George Costanza’s father, on the classic sitcom Seinfeld, a role that earned him an Emmy Award nomination. He also starred opposite Kevin James as Arthur Spooner in The King of Queens and lent his voice to several Disney productions. Jerry frequently collaborated with his son, appearing in films such as Zoolander and Heavyweights.
Jerry Stiller passed away from natural causes in May 2020 at the age of 92. Ben Stiller shared on X (formerly Twitter) a heartfelt tribute to his father, stating, “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
Anne Meara: A Life of Resilience and Talent
Anne Meara’s life was marked by both profound talent and personal struggle. Her childhood was difficult, experiencing the tragedy of her mother’s death by suicide at just 10 years old. As a teenager, she honed her acting skills under the tutelage of famed teacher Uta Hagen at New York City’s prestigious New School.
Despite her dramatic training, Anne credited Jerry with initiating their legendary comedy act. “Jerry started us being a comedy team,” she revealed in an obituary published by The New York Times. “He always thought I would be a great comedy partner.” Beyond her work with Jerry, Anne was a prolific actress, earning four Emmy Award nominations and winning a Writers Guild of America Award for co-writing the 1983 TV movie The Other Woman. Her memorable television roles included appearances in Rhoda, Archie Bunker’s Place, Alf, and playing Steve Brady’s mother Mary on Sex and the City, as well as joining Jerry on The King of Queens.
A significant aspect of Anne’s life, openly discussed in the documentary, was her struggle with alcoholism. Ben Stiller acknowledged his mother’s challenges in a 2023 interview on TikTok, stating, “My mother had issues across her life with alcoholism… She got sober and really explored that stuff.” He expressed gratitude that she delved into therapy for it, noting, “for someone who’s a functioning alcoholic, it’s basically that you’re trying to navigate that because it’s not dramatic.” Anne Meara passed away in May 2015 at age 85 after suffering multiple strokes.
Ben Stiller’s Intimate Glimpse: “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost”
Ben Stiller’s documentary provides an intimate and honest portrayal of his parents’ lives, exploring the complexities often hidden behind the glamour of celebrity. In the film, Ben candidly discusses the resentment he felt towards his father for not openly addressing Anne’s alcoholism with him and his sister Amy.
He explained, “When [my mom] was drinking, my dad never really knew how to handle it… I think he loved her so much and he was so committed to her. Also the act and what they did together was so important, that he had to figure out how to deal with that on his own. But I think I resented him for not acknowledging it to us.” This vulnerability offers fans a deeper understanding of the family dynamics.
A pivotal part of Anne’s journey was her sobriety. Her recovery allowed her to offer invaluable support and guidance to her children, particularly during their own experiences with parenthood. Ben’s wife, Christine Taylor, shared how Anne would empathize with her as a new mother, offering encouragement and acknowledging her own past limitations. “She would see me as a new mother, during those moments where it was crazy and frenetic, and tell me how great a job I was doing,” Taylor said. “It was a way to make me feel so good about what I was doing, but [also] her acknowledging what she couldn’t do.”
A Deeper Appreciation for a Legendary Duo
Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost promises to be more than just a tribute to two comedy legends; it’s an intimate exploration of family, fame, and the personal battles fought behind the scenes. For fans of classic comedy and the enduring legacy of Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, the documentary offers a poignant and honest portrayal, deepening their appreciation for a couple who brought so much joy to the world while navigating their own complex realities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
