Ben Stiller’s Kids Open Up About His Absence: A Candid Father-Daughter Conversation
EXCLUSIVE: Ben Stiller's Kids Slam Him for Being Absent During Their Childhood
Ben Stiller, 59, is facing a public reckoning with his own parenting skills as his kids accuse him of being absent during their childhood in his new AppleTV+ documentary about his parents, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.
The candid and often heartbreaking documentary has left fans and critics alike stunned by Ben's admission that he was too consumed by his Hollywood career to spend quality time with his two children, Ella, 23, and Quinn, 20. In a jaw-dropping moment, Ella revealed to her father that she can't even remember him being around when she was growing up.
"I literally can't ever remember you being around when I was growing up," Ella bluntly told Ben in the documentary. The comment has left many questioning whether the actor's priorities were misplaced during his children's formative years.
Quinn, on the other hand, expressed a sense of guilt and anxiety that often plagued him as a child, feeling like he "came last" on his father's list of priorities. "After a tough day or if something was going wrong, you can kind of get into your own head and when you get into that place, it's hard to get you out of it," Quinn explained.
Ben shares his two kids with his longtime wife, Christine Taylor, 54. Despite their public façade as the ultimate Hollywood power couple, sources close to the family reveal that Ben's relationship with his children has been complicated and strained at times.
Speaking with The Sunday Times about the documentary earlier this month, Ben reflected on his own childhood experiences with his parents, both of whom worked in showbiz. "Like any parent, I remember things that weren't happy about my childhood and go, 'I'll do better,'" he said, attempting to justify his actions as a father.
However, Ben's excuses fall short when considering the profound impact his absence had on his children's lives. "When they were young, I did not get it," he confessed. "I thought, 'Oh, the kids are young, I can work away and be a good dad earning for the family.' But the bonds you form with your kids when they're young are so important."
Ben's sister, Amy Stiller, 64, who grew up alongside him in the midst of their parents' chaotic careers, echoed similar sentiments. "Our mom and dad's careers totally affected us," she shared. Ben recalled feeling a deep sense of longing for his parents while they were away working. "I just remember missing them terribly," he confessed.
In another stunning revelation from the documentary, Ben admitted to cutting his daughter Ella out of one of his films, Secret Life of Walter Mitty, in 2013. The decision was a heart-wrenching blow to the young actress who had been set to make her feature film debut alongside her father.
"I cut you out of Secret Life of Walter Mitty," Ben lamented to Ella. "It's probably the worst decision I ever made in my life." However, Ella surprisingly took a more nuanced view of the situation, pointing out that the scene didn't quite fit with the rest of the film.
While Ben's attempts at self-justification may have been well-intentioned, it remains to be seen whether he can repair the damage done and strengthen his relationship with his children. As one insider put it, "Ben thought he was doing what was best for his family by pursuing his Hollywood career, but in reality, he sacrificed too much time and attention with his kids."
The documentary, Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, provides an unflinching look at Ben's complicated relationships and the lasting impact of his parenting decisions. As fans and critics alike dissect the film, one thing is certain – Ben Stiller has a lot to answer for when it comes to his parenting skills.
Sources: The Sunday Times; The Scholarly Note
