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Born Name:
Gerald Isaac Stiller
Born Date:
June 8, 1927
Born Place:
New York City
Died Date:
May 11, 2020
Died Place:
New York City
Occupations:
Comedian, actor
Brief Biography:
Jerry Stiller was recognized for his iconic, loud, and eccentric television roles. He first achieved fame in the 1960s as half of the legendary comedy duo Stiller and Meara, and later reached a new generation as Frank Costanza on Seinfeld.
The Stiller and Meara Era:
In 1954, Stiller married actress Anne Meara. The following year, they formed the improvisational comedy duo Stiller and Meara. They became a massive success, performing sharp, observational routines about married life and making 36 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Television Resurgence & Iconic Roles:
Seinfeld (1993–1998): Stiller's career saw a massive late-career resurgence when he took on the role of the volatile and hilarious Frank Costanza (George's father), earning an Emmy nomination in 1997.
The King of Queens (1998–2007): Following Seinfeld, Stiller took on another beloved, irascible father figure, starring as Arthur Spooner in this long-running CBS sitcom.
Film & Personal Life:
Stiller frequently collaborated with his son, actor-director Ben Stiller, appearing in films like Heavyweights (1995) and Zoolander (2001). He published his autobiography, Married to Laughter: A Love Story featuring Anne Meara, in 2000.