Ep 1. Ben Stiller

In the season 8 premiere of Inside the Actors Studio, host James Lipton welcomes comedian and actor Ben Stiller to the stage. Stiller is known for his versatile roles in comedy films, from his breakout performance in There's Something About Mary to his directorial debut with the cult classic Zoolander.

Throughout the episode, Stiller discusses his early years in the entertainment industry, including growing up with parents who were also successful entertainers. He fondly reflects on his childhood memories of watching his mother, Anne Meara, perform stand-up comedy and his father, Jerry Stiller, on the set of the television show Seinfeld.

Lipton delves into Stiller's career milestones and the creative inspirations behind his most memorable characters, such as the neurotic Greg Focker in Meet the Parents and the titular clueless male model in Zoolander. Stiller reveals the personal experiences that informed these roles and his process for bringing these characters to life.

In addition to his acting roles, Stiller also discusses his work behind the camera as a writer, director, and producer. He explains the challenges of balancing those roles with his acting career and the satisfaction he gains from being the one to bring a project to fruition.

Lipton also touches on Stiller's ongoing status as a cultural icon and internet meme with his recent appearances on social media and sketch comedy shows. Stiller shares his thoughts on how humor has evolved over the years and how he has adapted to changes in the industry.

Throughout the episode, Stiller's humor and humility shine through as he reflects on his career and the joy he receives from entertaining audiences. Lipton skillfully teases out the insights and experiences that have made Stiller one of the most beloved actors in the industry.

For fans of Ben Stiller and the world of comedy, this episode of Inside the Actors Studio provides a fascinating look into the life and career of one of the entertainment world's most enduring figures.