'Something Is Definitely Off': Users Say Ben Stiller Looks 'Different' on 'The Late Show'

The "Severance" director appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," to discuss his latest project, a new podcast he has collaborated on with the series star Adam Scott.

On January 9, 2025, Ben Stiller joined Stephen Colbert to discuss the Emmy Award-winning workplace thriller "Severance." Fans, however, were quick to comment on his appearance, with many questioning why he looked different.

The 59-year-old shared on the show that he and his Adam Scott have a new "Severance" podcast out. He noted, "Adam Scott and I just decided to do a rewatch podcast, and every day between now and when the show starts, we've been doing one episode from the first season. Then on the first day of the new season, we will do the new season."

The podcast's first episode came out on January 6 and is available on Apple and other podcast-streaming sites. Stiller teased the podcast on his Instagram giving a call to action to his followers. "If you've got a question about #Severance, call our hotline! We just might play your voicemail and answer your question on the podcast," he wrote.

The second season of "Severance" consists of 10 episodes and will debut globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, January 17, 2025. The series is directed and executive produced by Stiller while Dan Erickson created, wrote, and executive produced it. New episodes will be released weekly every Friday until March 21.

While fans were eager to hear about the series, Ben Stiller's appearance on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," sparked conversations among viewers, with many speculating about why he looked noticeably different.

One person wondered, "Why does his face look so different from what I remember?" Another chimed in, "He looks fantastic, but a little different. Just me?" Curiosity sparked as someone asked, "Something unusual is going on with Ben Stiller's face?"

Offering their perspective, a user commented, "Botox on upper lip definitely but also, we just age. It happens." Other fans pointed out the passage of time, "Wow he's aged." Not everyone was convinced the changes were natural, as someone remarked, "He gotta chill on the Botox."

Some speculated further, "Has he had a bunch of work done? Looks not like Ben Stiller." Fueling the theories, another fan declared, "This is so obviously a mask, look at the ears." A more concerned viewer noted, "I feel bad. He looks ill. Something is definitely off."

Stiller has dealt with serious health issues in the past. In June 2014, at the age of 48, he received a prostate cancer diagnosis. As he was in his late 40s, Stiller noted that he was considered young for such a condition.

In 2016, he reflected on his journey and noted that he was feeling fortunate to be cancer-free. He acknowledged the importance of educating oneself when diagnosed with cancer. "For me, it was learning what the options were," he disclosed.

Stiller did his research and ultimately decided to undergo prostate removal based on medical recommendations. "I'm doing great. I was really fortunate that my course of treatment was basically an operation and that was it," said the actor.

Stiller is currently focused on promoting "Severance" before season two debuts. Fans can catch its first season on Apple TV+ in readiness for the second season. Part of the cast of the series includes Scott, Emmy Award winner John Turturro, Academy Award winner Christopher Walken, and Academy and Emmy Award winner Patricia Arquette. Season two introduces new series regular Sarah Bock.

Season one of the series received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics. It earned an AFI Award, 14 Emmy nominations, two Writers Guild of America Awards, and nominations from the Screen Actors Guild, Producers Guild, and Directors Guild.

The thriller series follows Mark Scout played by Scott, who leads a team at Lumon Industries where employees have undergone a procedure that splits their memories between work and personal lives. As Mark uncovers deeper truths about the experiment, season two delves into the escalating dangers of tampering with the severance barrier.