History of Ben Stiller in Timeline

Ben Stiller is a prominent American actor, comedian, and filmmaker recognized for his comedic performances, particularly in films like There's Something About Mary, Zoolander, and Tropic Thunder. He has also starred in successful franchises, including Meet the Parents, Madagascar, and Night at the Museum. Stiller's films have grossed over $2.6 billion domestically, averaging $79 million per film. His accolades include an Emmy Award and a Directors Guild of America Award, among others.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1987: Conceived the premise for Tropic Thunder

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

1990: Began dating Jeanne Tripplehorn

In 1990, Ben Stiller began dating actress Jeanne Tripplehorn, and they were together until 1996.

1996: Ended relationship with Jeanne Tripplehorn

In 1996, Ben Stiller's relationship with Jeanne Tripplehorn ended after six years, having begun in 1990.

1996: Release of Happy Gilmore

The movie Happy Gilmore, in which Ben Stiller appeared, was released in 1996.

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1999: Met Christine Taylor

In 1999, Ben Stiller met actress Christine Taylor while filming a never-broadcast television pilot for Fox called Heat Vision and Jack.

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1999: Joke during a GQ interview

There have been false reports about Stiller's mental health based on a joke he made during a 1999 GQ interview.

May 2000: Married Christine Taylor

In May 2000, Ben Stiller married actress Christine Taylor at an oceanfront ceremony in Kauai, Hawaii.

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 Project ALS.

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2002: Daughter Ella Olivia born

In 2002, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor's daughter, Ella Olivia, was born.

2004: Supported John Kerry's presidential campaign

In 2004, Ben Stiller supported the Democratic Party and donated money to John Kerry's U.S. presidential campaign.

April 2005: Inducted as honorary member of Princeton University's Class of 2005

In April 2005, Ben Stiller was inducted as an honorary member of Princeton University's Class of 2005 during its "Senior Week".

2005: Son Quinlin born

In 2005, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor's son, Quinlin "Quinn" Dempsey, was born.

February 2007: Attended fundraiser for Barack Obama

In February 2007, Ben Stiller attended a fundraiser for Barack Obama.

February 23, 2007: Received the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award

On February 23, 2007, Ben Stiller received the Hasty Pudding Man of the Year award from Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals.

March 31, 2007: Received the Wannabe Award at the Kids' Choice Awards

On March 31, 2007, Ben Stiller received the "Wannabe Award" (given to a celebrity whom children "want to be" like) at the Kids' Choice Awards.

2008: Directed, co-wrote, co-produced, and starred in Tropic Thunder

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

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2008: Donated to Obama, Edwards, and Clinton campaigns

In 2008, Ben Stiller donated to the U.S. presidential campaigns of Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Hillary Clinton.

2008: Rejected the "Frat Pack" label

In a 2008 interview, Ben Stiller rejected the "Frat Pack" label, stating that the concept was "completely fabricated".

2009: Received the MTV Generation Award

In 2009, Ben Stiller received the MTV Movie Awards' MTV Generation Award, the ceremony's top honor.

2009: Starred in Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

In 2009, Ben Stiller starred alongside 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 starred in Greenberg and Little Fockers

In 2010, Ben Stiller made a cameo in Joaquin Phoenix's mockumentary I'm Still Here and played the lead role in the comedy-drama Greenberg. He also portrayed Greg Focker in Little Fockers.

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2011: Awarded the BAFTA Britannia Award

In 2011 Ben Stiller was awarded the BAFTA Britannia – Charlie Chaplin Britannia Award for Excellence in Comedy by BAFTA Los Angeles.

2011: Clarified mental health reports in interview

In 2011, Ben Stiller clarified in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he does not have bipolar disorder.

2011: Starred in Tower Heist

In 2011, Ben Stiller starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Alan Alda in Tower Heist, a movie about maintenance workers planning a heist in a skyscraper.

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2013: Released The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

In 2013, Ben Stiller produced, directed, and starred in the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, which was released that year.

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June 2014: Diagnosed with prostate cancer

In June 2014, Ben Stiller was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

September 2014: Declared cancer-free

In September 2014, Ben Stiller was declared cancer-free following the surgical removal of his prostate.

2014: Nominated for Saturn Award

In 2014, Ben Stiller was nominated for Best Actor at the 40th Saturn Awards for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.

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February 6, 2016: Set Guinness World Record for longest selfie stick

On February 6, 2016, Ben Stiller set the Guinness World Record for the longest selfie stick (8.56 meters) at the World Premiere of Zoolander 2.

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2017: Separated from Christine Taylor

In 2017, after 17 years of marriage, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor separated.

July 2, 2018: Appointed Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR

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

2018: Clarified mental health reports in interview

In 2018, Ben Stiller clarified in an interview with The Times that he does not have bipolar disorder, stating that his original comment from 1999 was taken out of context.

2018: Played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live

In 2018, Ben Stiller played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live for 6 episodes.

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February 2, 2019: Won Directors Guild of America Award

On February 2, 2019, Ben Stiller won the Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Limited Series for his miniseries, Escape at Dannemora.

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2019: Played Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live

In 2019, Ben Stiller continued to play Michael Cohen on Saturday Night Live for 6 episodes.

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June 2022: Visited Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv

In June 2022, Ben Stiller visited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, Ukraine and expressed his admiration for him. He also visited other cities to bring attention to humanitarian needs. Russia sanctioned Ben Stiller over his Ukraine support.

May 24, 2024: Daughter Ella graduated from Juilliard

On May 24, 2024, Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor's daughter, Ella, graduated from the Juilliard School in New York City, New York with a degree in acting.

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: Made acting comeback with Nutcrackers and Dear Santa

In 2024, Ben Stiller made his acting comeback after seven years with the holiday films Nutcrackers and Dear Santa, the latter also featuring Jack Black and having him in an uncredited role. While promoting the films Stiller appeared on the popular interview show Hot Ones.

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