Ben Stiller has candidly acknowledged his struggles as a father, admitting that he “f***** up” in his parenting journey. The 59-year-old actor, who shares two children—23-year-old Ella and 20-year-old Quinlin—with his former wife, Christine Taylor, discussed the complexities of fatherhood in a recent interview with The Sunday Times.
Stiller and Taylor’s relationship faced significant challenges, leading to their separation in 2017 after 17 years of marriage. They reconciled in 2020, a turn of events that Stiller now views as beneficial for their family dynamics. He explained that the split initially strained his relationship with his children, prompting him to reflect on his own upbringing as the son of renowned comedic duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara.
In the interview, Stiller recalled how his parents’ careers impacted their family life. He described feeling a deep sense of loss when his parents were away, which led him and his sister, Amy Stiller, to act out their favorite shows in their absence. Stiller noted, “I probably f***** up more with my kids than my parents did with us.” He shared that his son has expressed feelings that fatherhood may not have always been his top priority.
Stiller acknowledged the pressure many parents face, stating, “Like any parent, I remember things that weren’t happy about my childhood and go, ‘I’ll do better.’” However, he quickly realized that it is nearly impossible to avoid making similar mistakes, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the bonds formed during childhood. He reflected, “The bonds you form with your kids when they’re young are so important.”
The actor’s separation from Taylor had a notable impact on their children. Stiller candidly admitted, “That was a strain on my relationship with the kids.” He compared his situation to that of his parents, acknowledging that maintaining a long-term relationship can be challenging. “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. It changed our relationship,” he said.
Their reunion in 2020 came as a surprise to Stiller, who believes that their time apart allowed them to appreciate their relationship more deeply. He stated, “We don’t take it for granted anymore, and if you are happy, you’re going to be a better parent.” Stiller emphasized the importance of acknowledging past mistakes and making an effort to repair relationships within the family.
“It’s not perfect—at all. But that’s just life,” he concluded. Through his reflections, Stiller highlights the ongoing journey of parenthood and personal growth, recognizing the complexities and rewards that come with both.
