Ben Stiller's 'Worst Decision'—Cutting Daughter Ella from His Film
Ben Stiller's Regret-Filled Confession: Cutting Daughter from Film Still Haunts Him
In a shocking revelation, Hollywood A-lister Ben Stiller has expressed deep regret over his decision to cut his daughter Ella from his 2013 film "Secret Life of Walter Mitty". The 59-year-old actor and director has spoken candidly about the move in his upcoming documentary, "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost", set to premiere on Apple TV on October 17.
The incident occurred during post-production when Ben, who also played the titular role, decided to remove Ella's scene from the film. She had been cast as the younger sister of her character in a pivotal moment. In an interview with The Scholarly Note.com (TSN), Ben reflected on his decision, stating: "I cut you out of Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It's probably the worst decision I ever made in my life."
Ella, 23, who has since gone on to make her mark in the industry, surprisingly defended her father's choice, saying that the scene "didn't make sense in the movie". However, Ben went deeper, revealing that his decision was a manifestation of his own perfectionism and obsession with work. "For me it kind of goes deeper," he confessed. "What it relates to is my own issues with my own obsession with my work."
This isn't the first time Ben has opened up about his parenting struggles. In an interview with The Sunday Times, he candidly shared that he felt he had messed up more as a father than his parents did with him and his siblings. "My son tells me that being a dad might not have been at the top of my list," he revealed.
Ben's marriage to Christine Taylor also made headlines when they separated in 2017, with many speculating about its impact on their two children, including Ella and son Quinn, 20. Although they eventually reunited in 2020 amidst national lockdown restrictions, Ben acknowledged that the experience had changed them for the better. "I feel bad about what us breaking up did to the kids, but it was possibly the best thing to happen to Christine and me," he said.
Ella's journey into acting began at a young age, with her parents' influence playing a significant role in her early exposure to the industry. She started performing on stage during school years, taking on iconic roles like Rizzo in "Grease" and Velma Kelly in "Chicago". Her voice was also featured in the 2010 animated film "Megamind" when she was just eight years old.
As an adult, Ella has pursued a serious acting career, making her feature film debut in Ben's 2014 movie "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb". She recently guest-starred in the Sex and the City spin-off "And Just Like That", solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry. In an interview with Teen Vogue in July, Ella shared her aspirations for becoming a skilled actor, emphasizing the importance of "real actor training" and seeking out talented individuals who see her as an artist.
In light of Ben's candid confessions about his past mistakes, it's clear that he values family above all else. His documentary, which premiered earlier this month at the New York Film Festival, offers a poignant glimpse into his life, including the intricacies of fatherhood and marriage. As audiences await its release on Apple TV, they'll undoubtedly be drawn to Ben's authenticity and willingness to confront the complexities that make him human.
Sources:
- "Ben Stiller Opens Up About Regret Over Cutting Daughter from Film" by [The Scholarly Note.com (TSN)]
- "Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost" documentary
- Interview with Ella Stiller in Teen Vogue, July 2023
