Career Timeline of Ben Stiller: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Ben Stiller built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Ben Stiller is an American actor, comedian, and filmmaker renowned for his comedic roles. He gained prominence through films like "There's Something About Mary," "Zoolander," and "Tropic Thunder," showcasing his blend of slapstick and wit. Stiller is also recognized for his involvement in successful franchises, including "Meet the Parents," "Madagascar," and "Night at the Museum." His films have grossed over $2.6 billion, averaging $79 million per film. He has received accolades such as an Emmy Award and a Directors Guild of America Award, solidifying his impact on the entertainment industry.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1987: Conceived Tropic Thunder

In 1987, Ben Stiller originally conceived the premise for the film Tropic Thunder while filming Empire of the Sun.

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1999: Co-wrote Feel This Book

In 1999, Ben Stiller co-wrote a comedic New York Times bestseller with Janeane Garofalo, titled Feel This Book: An Essential Guide to Self-Empowerment, Spiritual Supremacy, and Sexual Satisfaction, a spoof of the self-help books prevalent at the time.

2001: Appeared on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire

In 2001, Ben Stiller appeared as a celebrity contestant on the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He won $32,000 for his charity Project ALS, after incorrectly answering his $250,000 question.

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2008: Directed and starred in Tropic Thunder

In 2008, Ben Stiller directed, co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in the film Tropic Thunder, with Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black.

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2009: Starred in Night at the Museum 2

In 2009, Ben Stiller starred with Amy Adams in Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian, which is a sequel to Night at the Museum.

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2010: Cameo in I'm Still Here and lead role in Greenberg

In 2010, Ben Stiller made a brief cameo in Joaquin Phoenix's mockumentary I'm Still Here and played the lead role in the comedy-drama Greenberg.

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2011: Starred in Tower Heist

In 2011, Ben Stiller starred with Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda in Tower Heist, about a group of maintenance workers planning a heist in a residential skyscraper.

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2013: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Release

In 2013, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which was produced, directed, and starred by Ben Stiller, was released.

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2016: Starred in Zoolander 2

In 2016, Ben Stiller starred in and directed Zoolander 2, which was a critical failure.

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July 2, 2018: Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR

On July 2, 2018, Ben Stiller was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR.

2018: Played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live

In 2018, Ben Stiller played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live for six episodes.

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2019: Played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live

In 2019, Ben Stiller continued playing Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live for six episodes.

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2021: Signed on to co-write and direct Bag Man

In 2021, Ben Stiller signed on to co-write and direct Bag Man, a Focus Features adaptation of the 2018 podcast about the kickback scandal that led to the resignation of Vice President Spiro Agnew.

June 2022: Visited Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

In June 2022, Ben Stiller visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv to bring attention to the humanitarian need of refugees in Poland and Ukraine.

2022: Severance Premieres

In 2022, Ben Stiller executive produces and directs many episodes of the Apple TV+ series Severance, which premiered this year.

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October 2023: Bag Man in pre-production

As of October 2023, the movie Bag Man remained in pre-production.

December 2024: Featured in SZA's Music Video Trailer

In December 2024, Ben Stiller was featured in a music video trailer for singer SZA's new album Lana, singing her song "Drive".

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2024: Spoke out on the Gaza war in Time magazine

In 2024, Ben Stiller spoke out about his opinions on the Gaza war on a Time magazine article. In the article, Stiller speaks about his Polish and Jewish heritage, and advocates for a two state solution by explaining his solidarity with both the Israeli and Palestinian citizens, as well as criticizing the Israeli government and Hamas.