ladbible logo

To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Ben Stiller Was Able To Be With Dad Jerry When He Died

Ben Stiller Was Able To Be With Dad Jerry When He Died

The 54-year-old explained that because Jerry didn't have a coronavirus-related illness they were able to be with him

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Ben Stiller has reflected on the time he is 'grateful' to have spent with his late father after he passed away earlier this month.

In an interview with The New Yorker, the 54-year-old actor said: "My sister and I were able to be with him.

"And, 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."

The father-son duo on the set of The Heartbreak Kid.
Shutterstock

He went on: "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 humour, for sure, until the end. I hesitate to call it a sense of humour. He was just funny, and so he was always himself. He was almost ninety-three, and I think his body was kind of at that point where it was time."

Jerry Stiller was best known for starring as George Costanza's father Frank on NBC's Seinfeld before portraying Arthur Spooner on CBS comedy series The King of Queens.

He appeared in a number of films such as The Taking of Pelham One Two Three, Nasty Habits and Hairspray before going on to feature in Ben Stiller's films Zoolander, Zoolander 2 and The Heartbreak Kid.

Hearing the news of his passing, fans took to Twitter to express their sadness.

Replying to the tweet from Ben Stiller, one fan wrote: "Very sorry to hear this, Ben. My condolences to you and your family. Jerry was one of my favorites. May his memory be a blessing. RIP Jerry Stiller."

Another added: "His legacy to us as a brilliantly funny man and incredible actor, will stay with us, and his wonderful memories will always bring a smile to our faces," while a third said: "Sincere condolences. He was a terrific actor who brought joy to many. He will be missed."

Jerry Stiller and his wife Anne Meara paired up to form comedy duo known as Stiller and Meara in the 1960s and 70s - becoming the number one couple of comedy. They were married for 62 years before Anne passed away in 2015.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock

Topics: Celebrity, News