History of Jerry Stiller in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 25, 2024

"Jerry Stiller was an American comedian and actor widely recognized for his comedic roles. He achieved fame alongside his wife, Anne Meara, as part of the duo Stiller and Meara. His career saw a resurgence in later years with iconic roles such as Frank Costanza on 'Seinfeld' and Arthur Spooner on 'The King of Queens,' both earning him critical acclaim and solidifying his legacy in television comedy."

1902: Birth of Bella Citron

Jerry Stiller's mother, Bella Citron, was born in 1902.

June 8, 1927: Birth of Jerry Stiller

Jerry Stiller was born on June 8, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York City.

1950: Graduation from Syracuse University

Jerry Stiller graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor's degree in Speech and Drama in 1950.

1953: Meeting Anne Meara

Jerry Stiller met actress-comedian Anne Meara in 1953.

1953: Performance in "Coriolanus"

Jerry Stiller performed in the Phoenix Theater production of "Coriolanus" in 1953, where he was praised for his comedic talents.

1954: Marriage to Anne Meara

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara married in 1954, their relationship having blossomed after a chance encounter at an agent's office. This marked the start of their enduring personal and professional partnership.

1954: Death of Bella Citron

Jerry Stiller's mother, Bella Citron, passed away in 1954.

1961: Birth of Amy Stiller

Jerry and Anne Stiller welcomed their first child, daughter Amy, in 1961.

1961: Nightclub Performances in New York City

Stiller and Meara began performing in nightclubs in New York City in 1961.

1965: Birth of Ben Stiller

In 1965, Jerry and Anne Stiller became parents for the second time with the birth of their son, Ben, who would follow in their comedic footsteps.

1970: Stiller and Meara Live Act Breakup

The comedy duo Stiller and Meara broke up their live act in 1970.

1977: "Take Five with Stiller and Meara" Debut

Stiller and Meara launched their syndicated radio sketch comedy show, "Take Five with Stiller and Meara," in 1977.

1978: End of "Take Five with Stiller and Meara"

Stiller and Meara's radio show, "Take Five with Stiller and Meara," ended in 1978.

1979: Start of "HBO Sneak Previews" Hosting

Stiller and Meara began hosting "HBO Sneak Previews" in 1979.

1980: John Houseman's Memoir

John Houseman published his memoir, "Front and Center," in 1980, in which he praised the comedic talents of Jerry Stiller, Gene Saks, and Jack Klugman.

1982: End of "HBO Sneak Previews" Hosting

Stiller and Meara's run as hosts of "HBO Sneak Previews" ended in 1982.

1986: "The Stiller and Meara Show"

Stiller and Meara starred in their own sitcom, "The Stiller and Meara Show," in 1986.

1993: Breakthrough Role on Seinfeld

Jerry Stiller's career saw a resurgence in 1993 when he landed the role of Frank Costanza on the sitcom "Seinfeld."

1997: Emmy Nomination for "Seinfeld"

Jerry Stiller was nominated for an Emmy for his role as Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld" in 1997.

1998: Start of "The King of Queens"

Jerry Stiller began playing Arthur Spooner on the CBS comedy series "The King of Queens" in 1998.

1998: End of Role on "Seinfeld"

Jerry Stiller's run as Frank Costanza on "Seinfeld" ended in 1998.

1999: Appearance in "Secret of the Andes"

Jerry Stiller appeared in the film "Secret of the Andes" in 1999.

1999: Death of William Stiller

Jerry Stiller's father, William Stiller, passed away in 1999

2001: Appearance in "Zoolander"

Jerry Stiller appeared in the movie "Zoolander" in 2001.

2004: Appearance on Rush's 30th Anniversary Tour

Jerry Stiller appeared in filmed skits for Canadian rock band Rush's 30th Anniversary Tour concerts in 2004.

2005: Foreword to "Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us"

In 2005, Jerry Stiller wrote the foreword for the book "Festivus: The Holiday for the Rest of Us" by Allen Salkin, exploring the popularity of the fictional holiday, Festivus, originating from his character Frank Costanza on the TV show "Seinfeld".