Key Highlights
- Amy Stiller, Ben’s older sister, revealed the challenges of watching her brother rise to fame while working in a restaurant.
- The documentary “Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost” provides insight into Amy’s struggle and the impact of their parents’ famous careers on both siblings.
- Amy expressed feelings of intimidation due to being the oldest child and the expectations placed upon her by their celebrity parents.
- Despite early difficulties, Amy eventually pursued acting roles in Ben’s films and television shows, including “Zoolander” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”
The Rise of Ben Stiller: A Family Legacy
Amy Stiller, the older sister of renowned actor Ben Stiller, shared her struggles during her brother’s rise to fame in an AppleTV documentary titled “Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost.” The film premiered on October 17, 2025, offering a deep dive into the family dynamic and the pressures experienced by both siblings.
Personal Struggles
Amy Stiller spoke candidly about her difficulty in watching Ben’s career flourish while she worked as a waitress. “That’s why all those years when I was waitressing and you were getting famous, do you know how f***ing hard that was for me?” Amy expressed during the documentary. She highlighted that while Ben had the opportunity to succeed publicly, she did not have the same experiences and faced different challenges.
The Impact of Famous Parents
Growing up with famous parents—comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara—affected both siblings in unique ways. Amy recounted feeling intimidated by her role as the eldest daughter, facing significant expectations from their parents and the public eye. “Dad had an overprotectiveness that would stifle me, and I felt, like, paralyzed,” she explained.
Ben Stiller also discussed the impact of his parents’ careers on their family life. In a separate interview with The Sunday Times, Ben admitted, “It totally affected us. I just remember missing them terribly.” He shared that when their parents returned home from their frequent travels, he and Amy would act out scenes or put on performances in the lounge.
Chasing Dreams: Overcoming Early Challenges
Amy eventually found her way into the entertainment industry, appearing in several of Ben’s projects. She made appearances in films like “Zoolander,” “Dodgeball,” and “Tropic Thunder,” as well as television shows such as “The King of Queens” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.” This journey was not without its hurdles, with Amy recalling early frustrations during her brother’s rise to fame.
“I’m just sick of it.
I’m sick of Dad. I’m sick of everything,” she said in a home video clip from the documentary. Despite these challenges, Amy persevered and pursued her acting dreams, eventually finding success alongside her brother in various media ventures.
Conclusion
A Family’s Journey
The documentary “Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost” provides an intimate look at the lives of Ben and Amy Stiller. It highlights the complex dynamics within their family and the personal struggles each faced as they navigated the Hollywood spotlight. Amy’s journey from a waitress to a successful actress in her brother’s projects showcases both her resilience and the enduring support between siblings.