Introduction
Jerry Stiller was a beloved American comedian and actor who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He was known for his humorous roles in various TV shows and movies, and his marriage to Anne Meara was one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in show business. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Jerry Stiller’s life, career, net worth, TV shows, movies, and his marriage to Anne Meara.
Early Life and Career
Jerry Stiller was born on June 8, 1927, in Brooklyn, New York. He grew up in a Jewish family and attended Seward Park High School. After graduating from high school, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After the war, he attended Syracuse University, where he studied drama and theater.
Stiller began his career in show business in the 1950s, working as a comedian and actor in various nightclubs and theaters. He formed a comedy duo with his wife, Anne Meara, and they performed together for many years. They became popular on the comedy circuit and appeared on numerous TV shows, including “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.”
TV Shows
Jerry Stiller’s career in TV shows began in the 1960s when he appeared on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” He also appeared on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “The Love Boat.” However, he is best known for his roles in “Seinfeld” and “The King of Queens.”
In “Seinfeld,” Stiller played the role of Frank Costanza, the father of George Costanza. His character was known for his explosive temper and his catchphrase, “serenity now!” In “The King of Queens,” Stiller played the role of Arthur Spooner, the father-in-law of Doug Heffernan. His character was known for his eccentric behavior and his love of food.
Movies
Jerry Stiller appeared in several movies throughout his career, including “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,” “Hairspray,” and “Zoolander.” In “Hairspray,” he played the role of Wilbur Turnblad, the father of Tracy Turnblad. His performance was praised by critics, and he received a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
In “Zoolander,” Stiller played the role of Maury Ballstein, the owner of a modeling agency. His character was known for his catchphrase, “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills!” The movie was a commercial success and has since become a cult classic.
Net Worth
Jerry Stiller had an estimated net worth of $12 million at the time of his death. He earned his wealth through his successful career in show business, which spanned several decades. He also appeared in several commercials and was a spokesperson for various products.
Marriage with Anne Meara
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara were married for 61 years until her death in 2015. They met in the 1950s and formed a comedy duo that became popular on the comedy circuit. They appeared together on numerous TV shows and movies, including “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and “Awakenings.”
Their partnership was one of the most enduring and successful in show business, and they were known for their humor, wit, and chemistry. They had two children together, Ben Stiller and Amy Stiller, who also became successful in show business.
Conclusion
Jerry Stiller was a talented and beloved comedian and actor who made a significant contribution to the entertainment industry. He will be remembered for his humorous roles in various TV shows and movies, his successful partnership with Anne Meara, and his enduring legacy in show business. His death in May 2020 was a great loss to the entertainment industry, but his memory and his contributions to the world of comedy will live on forever.
