Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ben Stiller’s Net Worth?
As of today, Ben Stiller’s net worth is estimated to be $200 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful career as an actor, comedian, writer, film director, and producer. His films have collectively grossed over $6 billion at the global box office, making him a significant figure in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Key Milestones
Benjamin Edward Stiller was born on November 30, 1965, in New York City, to renowned actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Growing up on the Upper West Side, his early exposure to the entertainment world profoundly influenced his career path. He attended the Calhoun School in New York, graduating in 1983. Stiller enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to study film, but he dropped out after nine months to pursue acting full-time in New York City.
In 1986, Stiller appeared in the Broadway revival of “The House of Blue Leaves,” which garnered four Tony Awards. His initial foray into filmmaking involved creating satirical short films, one of which, “The Hustler of Money,” caught the attention of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). In 1987, SNL aired his short film, and in 1989, he was offered a writing position on the show. He briefly served as a writer and featured performer but left after only four episodes due to creative differences.
Stiller then created “Elvis Stories,” a short film featuring John Cusack, Mike Myers, and Andy Dick. This project led to MTV offering him a 13-episode show called “The Ben Stiller Show,” which included sketches, music videos, and parodies. Although the show was canceled after one season, it was later picked up by Fox in 1992, where Judd Apatow joined as a writer. The show won an Emmy for Outstanding Writing but was short-lived.
In 1994, Stiller directed “Reality Bites,” starring Winona Ryder and Ethan Hawke. He spent a year and a half rewriting the script, fundraising, and casting. The film debuted as the highest-grossing film in its opening weekend, marking a significant milestone in his directorial career. He followed this with roles in “Heavyweights” and directing “The Cable Guy,” starring Jim Carrey, for which he also acted.
Box Office Success and Notable Films
Stiller’s breakthrough role came in 1998 with the Farrelly Brothers’ film “There’s Something About Mary,” co-starring Cameron Diaz. For this role, he earned $3 million, significantly boosting his profile in Hollywood. In 2000, he starred in “Meet the Parents,” a film that became one of his most iconic roles. His performance solidified his status as a leading comedic actor.
In 2001, Stiller starred in “Zoolander,” for which he earned $2.5 million. He also reunited with Owen Wilson in “The Royal Tenenbaums.” The year 2004 was particularly lucrative for Stiller, as he appeared in six comedies, including “Dodgeball,” “Along Came Polly,” and “Anchorman,” all of which were box office successes. In 2006, he starred in “Night at the Museum,” which grossed over $115 million in its first 10 days, demonstrating his consistent box office appeal.
Stiller continued his success with sequels to “Meet the Parents” and “Night at the Museum.” In 2013, he produced, directed, and starred in “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty,” which was both a box office and critical success. He also starred in the sequels to “Zoolander.” Later roles included appearances in “Greed” (2019), “Have a Good Trip: Adventures in Psychedelics” (2020), “Hubie Halloween” (2020), “Locked Down” (2021), and “Bros” (2022). He also produced films such as “Alex Strangelove” (2018), “The Package” (2019), “Dinner in America” (2020), and “Friendsgiving” (2020).
In 2022, Stiller directed and executive produced the Apple TV+ series “Severance,” showcasing his versatility in both film and television. As of today, Ben Stiller has written, starred in, directed, or produced more than 50 films. As an actor, his films have grossed more than $6.4 billion at the worldwide box office, contributing significantly to his $200 million net worth. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including several MTV Movie Awards and a Teen Choice Award.
Real Estate Holdings and Personal Life
In 2016, Ben Stiller and his then-wife, Christine Taylor, purchased a condo in New York City’s West Village for $15.3 million. They sold their previous NYC condo in 2013 for $9 million, which was $1 million less than they had paid for it in 2008. The couple sold the $15.3 million West Village condo in October 2022 for $14.5 million. In 2011, they sold their longtime Los Angeles residence to Jason Statham for $7.3 million. Statham later sold the home to “Big Bang Theory” star Johnny Galecki for $9.2 million.
According to property records, the Stillers own a 14-acre bluff-top property in Hawaii, which they bought in 2002 for $8.5 million, and a 33-acre property in Chappaqua, New York, acquired in 2010 for $10 million. These real estate investments contribute to Ben Stiller’s overall financial portfolio. In May 2017, Ben and Christine announced their separation after 17 years of marriage but later reconciled after living together during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Ben Stiller’s personal life also includes philanthropic efforts. He appeared on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” in 2001 and won $32,000 for his charity, Project ALS. He supports other charities, including Declare Yourself, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, and the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation. In 2018, Stiller was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), highlighting his commitment to humanitarian causes.
Politically, Stiller is a supporter of the Democratic Party and has donated and fundraised for John Kerry in 2004 and Barack Obama in 2008. He has also contributed to the presidential campaigns of John Edwards and Hillary Clinton. His diverse career, combined with strategic real estate investments and philanthropic activities, underpins Ben Stiller’s substantial $200 million net worth.
