Jerry Stiller: biography, actor's personal life and filmography

The surname Stiller is known to many lovers of modern cinema. And it was glorified by the famous Hollywood actor Ben Stiller, who played the main roles in such films as “Night at the Museum”, “Getting to Know Your Parents”, “How to Steal a Skyscraper”, etc. But today it’s not about him at all. In this article, we will take a look at the biography of his father, actor Jerry Stiller. Although the younger generation is not very familiar with the work of this amazing person, an older viewer knows films and series with his participation.

Actor Biography

Jerry Stiller's parents are Jewish immigrants from Europe. His mother, Bella Citrinbaum (1902-1954) was born in the Russian city of Frampol (now the territory of Poland), and his father's family came from Galicia (now these lands belong to Ukraine). Jerry's parents entered into a marriage in 1924. William Stiller (1896-1999) - the actor’s father, he worked as a driver for almost his entire life.

Jerry Stiller was born on June 8, 1927, in the city of Brooklyn, New York. In addition to him, two more children were raised in the family. At a young age, Jerry takes his first steps on stage, and after graduating from Syracuse University, where he received a bachelor's degree in rhetoric and dramatic art, acting becomes his profession for life. Most often, Jerry performs in a comic manner, playing roles in classical works. His first Broadway debut took place in 1953. Jerry participated in the production of Shakespeare's Coriolanus.

The personal life of the actor

In 1954, at the age of 27, Jerry Stiller marries Irish-born actress Anne Mire. The young people met, participating in one comedy production, after which their romance grew into a serious relationship. The short height of Jerry Stiller (165 cm) did not embarrass the young girl. After the marriage, Ann, being a Catholic, decided to embrace her husband's faith - Judaism.

After 7 years of living together, their daughter Amy was born in their family, and after 4 years, Ann gave her husband an heir - Ben's son. Having matured, the children chose the same profession as their parents. Amy Stiller became an actress and starred in many films, however, most of the roles were episodic. She participated in several films, where the main role was played by Ben: “An Exemplary Male”, “The Incredible Life of Walter Mitty”, “Acquaintance with the Fockers”. Jerry Stiller's son achieved great success and became one of the most popular actors in Hollywood.

Professional activity

For a long period of time, the actor worked in tandem with his wife. They organized the comedy duo "Stiller and Peace", which later became very popular. The audience was delighted when the slender Irish Anne appeared on the stage and the chubby, short height Jerry, who had a typical Jewish appearance.

Since 1959, husband and wife began performing in comedy sketches together. Their career continued in the cast of The Compass Players. Later, this team was transformed into the famous Second Cite Troupe, where many comic actors began their careers, who later became legends. In 1963, the couple was first invited to participate in Ed Sullivan's television program on CBS. Later they visited this studio 36 more times.

The couple led an active creative activity: constant touring the country, shooting in various programs, television shows and series. But still, despite their common cause, Anne preferred to play in the theater and appear on television, and Jerry often participated in the filming of TV shows and full-length films. The most memorable actor roles were:

• Frank Constance (Seinfeld TV series);
• Arthur (the serial film "King of Queens").

These films of Jerry Stiller brought him great success. He was nominated for an Emmy for the comedy role he played in the Seinfeld series. He also won the annual American Comedy Awards.

In 2000, the artist’s memoirs were published, the book was entitled “Married with a laugh”.

Jerry Stiller: filmography

The list of films and other projects in which the actor participated is very long. The table shows the series in which Jerry Stiller played.

Although Jerry played most of the roles in the series, there are a number of feature films on his track record, including:

• "Girl of my nightmares";
• "Polish for hair";
• "In touch";
• "Model male";
• "Independence";
• "My 5 wives";
• "Kings of Doom";
• "The road to hell" and many others.

Jerry Stiller is almost 90 years old, and during his life he managed to make a huge contribution to the history of American cinema.