Even though he grew up surrounded by comedians, Ben didn’t plan to pursue comedy at first — and dad Jerry Stiller made sure to support him anyway. My first instinct, when I was eight, nine, ten years old, was that I knew I loved movies and I wanted to be a director. And my dad really supported that.” Ben told The New Yorker.
“He went out and got a Super 8 camera, and got me the editing equipment, and would act in movies that I would make. He was just there, all the time, for that. And then, as I got into my teens, I was trying to figure out who I was, and I think I pushed away. I was interested in acting, but since my parents were so known for comedy I was trying to figure out, comedically, if I wanted to do that or not, because I think my first instinct was ‘My parents are funny, but I want to be serious.’”
Obviously, that’s not exactly how it worked out for Ben, but who knows what path Ella and Quinlin will take? Regardless of what careers they end up with, they’re definitely lucky to have Ben Stiller there to support them, just as his dad supported him. Maybe supportive parents are the true Stiller family legacy!