Ben Stiller’s children reveal the emotional impact of their father’s career on their childhood. Ella and Quinlin share candid insights in a new documentary about Stiller’s family.
Ben Stiller’s children, Ella and Quinlin, have shared heartfelt admissions about their relationship with their father during their childhood, revealing emotional insights in a new Apple documentary. The actor, known for his roles in Zoolander and Tropic Thunder, has been candid about his own personal struggles and his attempts to be a better parent than his own showbiz parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
A Glimpse into Stiller’s Personal Struggles
In Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost, a documentary about his parents, Ben Stiller opens up about the challenges he faced as a father while juggling his career. The 59-year-old actor revealed he felt disconnected from his family, despite his efforts to provide his children with a better childhood than the one he had growing up in a family of entertainers.
“I felt out of balance and unhappy and kind of disconnected from my family, from my kids,” Stiller admitted in the documentary. He reflected on how his obsessive perfectionism sometimes caused strain in his family life, noting that his focus on work took a toll on his relationship with his children.
A Tough Decision: Cutting His Daughter from a Film
Stiller shared one painful regret about his parenting: cutting his daughter Ella’s role from one of his films, which he described as the “worst decision” he’s ever made. “It relates to my own obsession with my work, or ‘perfectionism’,” he confessed. Although Ella was understanding, she revealed in the documentary that she doesn’t remember her father being present during much of her childhood.
Ella and Quinlin Speak Out About Their Childhood
Ella Olivia Stiller, now 23, shared candidly with her father: “I literally can’t ever remember you being around when I was growing up.” Her brother, Quinlin Dempsey Stiller, 20, echoed similar sentiments, admitting he often felt like he “came last” in his father’s life. He described how his father’s preoccupation with work made family vacations and special moments feel less enjoyable. “When you get into that place, it’s hard to get you out of it,” Quinlin explained, referring to Stiller’s tendency to get lost in his thoughts after a tough day.
A Father’s Regret and Realization
Stiller admitted that despite his efforts to be a better parent than his own, he made similar mistakes. He recalled trying to avoid the mistakes his parents made, but ultimately finding it impossible. “I realized it was impossible to avoid making the mistakes [my parents] made,” he said. “I feel like I have a really great relationship with my kids, but it’s complicated and has at times been strained.”
Stiller reflected on how he once thought working hard and providing for the family was enough, but now understands that building strong bonds with young children is crucial. “The bonds you form with your kids when they’re young are so important,” he added.
