logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

How Ben Stiller's Late Dad Jerry's Last Days Were Like

Lois Oladejo
By Lois Oladejo
May 21, 2020
09:40 A.M.

Famous American actor, Ben Stiller, reminisces about his final days with his late father, Jerry Stiller — he says the last couple of weeks were harder for him.

Advertisement

Ben Stiller's father, Jerry Stiller, has passed on. The iconic comedian and entertainer died this month — he was aged ninety-two.

Back in the 1960s, Stiller and his wife, Anna Meara, performed as a comedy duo, often making appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" and going on comedy tours that virtually covered the whole country.

Jerry Stiller attends the 25th anniversary of Columbia University's Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on May 4, 2012 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

Jerry Stiller attends the 25th anniversary of Columbia University's Film Festival at Alice Tully Hall on May 4, 2012 in New York City. | Photo: Getty Images

When he was in his mid-sixties, Stiller started to interact with a new audience — he played the role of George Costanza's testy and chatty father on "Seinfield."

Advertisement

In an interview Ben had with "The New Yorker," he revealed that he and his sister, Amy, were able to spend some time with their father before he passed on. He said,

"Just due to the fact that he didn't have a coronavirus-related illness, and he had been ailing for a while, we were able to be with him, which I'm very, very grateful for."

Ben Stiller and his father, Jerry Stiller, attend party hosted by NBC at Sconset Playhouse on June 19, 1998 in Massachusetts | Photo: Getty Images

Ben Stiller and his father, Jerry Stiller, attend party hosted by NBC at Sconset Playhouse on June 19, 1998 in Massachusetts | Photo: Getty Images

Ben admitted that he and Amy were very grateful that Jerry died of natural causes and not the COVID-19 virus, as that would have made it nearly impossible for them to spend time with him while he was ailing.

The "Something About Mary" actor also opened up about how his father was holding up before his death. He said,

Advertisement

"He was just slowing down a lot, and he was dealing with a lot of issues and so the last week or two were tougher for him. But he went peacefully, and he had a sense of humor till the end..."

Ben Stiller and Jerry Stiller arrive at the HELP HAITI - Urban Zen HHRH & The Stiller Foundation on February 11, 2011 in New York City. | Photo: GettyImages

Ben Stiller and Jerry Stiller arrive at the HELP HAITI - Urban Zen HHRH & The Stiller Foundation on February 11, 2011 in New York City. | Photo: GettyImages

describes his late father as a sensitive man

— he attributes his achievements as an actor to his parent's guidance and support.

George Costanza, Jerry's son on the sitcom, called him a great man and a lovely friend.

Advertisement

The 54-year-old actor confirmed his father's demise in a tweet on May 11. The tweet was followed by several encouraging comments from fans and celebrities alike as they began mourning.

Many referred to the late comedian as a caring and generous man. Hank Azaria tagged him as a "lovely" man while Lin-Manuel Miranda called him a "giant"— a title that rings true considering his many achievements.

Advertisement

The "Seinfield" crew were not left out — Jason Alexander, who played the role of Jerry's son, George Costanza, on the sitcom, called him a great man and a lovely friend. George Shapiro, "Seinfeld's" producer, also admitted that he knew no one "sweeter" than Jerry had been.

Jerry lost his wife, Anne Meara, back in 2015 after she suffered through multiple strokes. She was 85 at the time of her death. RIP Jerry.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Related posts

This Music Legend Turns 78 Today – Fans Say She Still Looks Incredibly Young

May 26, 2026

Ted Turner's Massive Empire Across America Revealed — Photos and Video

May 07, 2026

Barack Obama Opens Up About Marriage with Michelle – What He Revealed

May 06, 2026

'This Is Somebody That I Look Up To': How Wiz Khalifa Brought a Funk Legend to the Screen

June 29, 2026

George Clooney and Amal Draw Attention at French Riviera Birthday Lunch as Her Bold Outfit Sparks Buzz — Photos

May 11, 2026

Matt Damon's Rare Family Moments with Wife and Daughters — Photos

June 09, 2026

Attorney Ben Crump Reveals Nolan Wells' Independent Autopsy Results – and the Report Ends with 7 Unanswered Questions

July 23, 2026

Barack Obama Reveals What's Creating 'Genuine Tension' in His Marriage to Michelle Obama

May 06, 2026

Lindsay Clancy's Trial Begins as Jury Hears Patrick Clancy's Harrowing 911 Call — and the Words He Screamed in the Basement

July 30, 2026

Venus Williams Dazzles at 2026 Met Gala and Ignites Talk Over Appearance and Dynamic with Husband – Photos and Video

May 05, 2026

Michelle Obama Turns Heads with Daughters at Beverly Hills Hotspot

May 14, 2026