Jerry Stiller American actor, comedian and radio commercial writer Date of Birth: 08.06.1928 Country: USA

1. Jerry Stiller: An American Actor, Comedian, and Radio Ad Writer
2. Early Life and Career
3. Stiller and Meara Comedy Duo
4. Television and Film Career
5. Later Career and Legacy

Jerry Stiller: An American Actor, Comedian, and Radio Ad Writer

Jerry Stiller, born on June 8, 1928, in New York, USA, is known for his work as an actor, comedian, and writer of radio advertisements. He is also famously the father of the popular actor Ben Stiller. Although not a mega-star, Jerry Stiller has achieved popularity among audiences of multiple generations.

Early Life and Career

Jerry Stiller was one of three children in his family. He took to the stage at a young age and pursued acting as his profession after graduating from Syracuse University with a degree in rhetoric and dramatic arts. He specialized in comedic roles in classic plays and made his Broadway debut in 1953 in Shakespeare's "Coriolanus." He frequently played roles in Shakespearean plays throughout his career.

In 1953, Stiller met up-and-coming actress Anne Meara at an audition. They got married a year later and had two children together. Both of their children followed in their footsteps and pursued careers in theater and comedy.

Stiller and Meara Comedy Duo

Stiller and Meara formed a successful comedy duo and gained immense popularity. Stiller, a short, full-bodied actor of Jewish descent, and Meara, a tall, slender Irish-American who converted to Judaism after their marriage, captivated audiences with their performances. They started performing sketches together in 1959 and became part of "The Compass Players," which later evolved into the famous "Second City Troupe." They appeared on numerous episodes of Ed Sullivan's TV show on CBS and toured the country with their act. They also created and wrote scripts for their own television shows such as "Take Five With Stiller and Meara" (1977) and "The Stiller and Meara Show" (1986).

Television and Film Career

While Meara primarily focused on television and theater, Stiller shifted his focus to television series in the 1970s. He appeared in shows such as "Joe and Sons" (CBS, 1975-76), "Tattinger's" (NBC, 1988-89), and "Seize the Day" (1986), where he showcased his dramatic acting skills.

In the mid-1980s, Stiller returned to the big screen, often appearing alongside his son, Ben Stiller. Their first collaboration was in the critically acclaimed film "Shoeshine" (1987), and they went on to work together in numerous films. However, Stiller's most famous role of all time is that of Frank Costanza, the father of George Costanza, in the hit television series "Seinfeld." Stiller replaced actor J. Randolph in this role in 1993, and his brilliant portrayal impressed the producers so much that all episodes featuring the character played by Randolph were reshot with Stiller.

Later Career and Legacy

For his role in "Seinfeld," Stiller received an Emmy nomination in 1997 and won the American Comedy Award for "Funniest Supporting Actor in a TV Series" in 1998. After "Seinfeld" ended in 1998, Stiller was immediately cast as Arthur Spooner, the father of the main character, in the CBS sitcom "King of Queens." This role was a continuation of the Frank Costanza character, with some elements of the original role being carried over.

Jerry Stiller continued to act in both television and film, appearing in projects such as "The Heartbreak Kid" (2007), "The Lion King 3" (2004), and "Robbie the Reindeer in Close Encounters of the Herd Kind" (2007) as a voice actor. He also released his memoir, "Married to Laughter: A Love Story Featuring Anne Meara" in 2000. In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Stiller was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007.

Jerry Stiller's legacy includes being a beloved and versatile actor who has entertained audiences for decades. His collaborations with his son, Ben Stiller, have cemented the Stiller name in the world of comedy. Despite not achieving superstar status, Jerry Stiller's talent and comedic prowess have left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.