Celebrity News May 24, 2015
Comedy Great Anne Meara of Stiller & Meara, Ben Stiller's Mom, Dies at 85
Anne Meara, Ben Stiller's mom and one half of the classic comedy duo Stiller & Meara with her husband of 61 years, Jerry Stiller, has died at 85.
Thank you so much for all the kind words about Anne. All of us in our family feel so lucky to have had her in our lives.
@RedHourBen
Stiller & Meara were staples of the nightclub circuit and on variety and other TV shows throughout the '60s and '70s, appeared in films, did theater, and played Las Vegas.
Solo, Meara had recurring roles on popular TV shows like "Rhoda," "Archie Bunker's Place," "Alf," the soap "All My Children," and "Sex and the City." She played the love interest of her husband on "The King of Queens," and worked with him in numerous other appearances, including on their own 1986 series, "The Stiller and Meara Show," and in a series of Web videos produced by their son in 2010.
Meara popped up in a number of her famous son's films, including "Reality Bites," "Zoolander," and "Night at the Museum."
Meara with her son, Ben Stiller, and his wife, Christine Taylor. [Cred: Bruce Glikas/Getty Images]
Meara was an accomplished stage actress, winning an Obie for "Mädchen in Uniform" in 1955 before her comedy career took off, and earning a Tony nomination for her work in "Anna Christie" in 1993.
Stiller & Meara, circa 1986 [Cred: NBC]
An array of Hollywood figures has taken to social media to express sorrow over the loss of the sassy, trailblazing comic actress:
So sad to hear of Anne Meara's passing--such happy memories of working with her on All My Children. My heart goes out to her family.
@Susan_Lucci
Rest in peace Anne Meara. Loved her. pic.twitter.com/mX0IN13IKI
@bobsaget
I had the honor of meeting Anne Meara a few times. It was a life highlight. RIP pic.twitter.com/eVDlHhvmFJ
@SarahKSilverman
I had the honor of working with #AnneMeara on #AllMyChildren. I always knew I was in the presence of greatness when she was around #RIP
@SarahMGellar
I had the joy of working with #AnneMeara A kinder, more thoughtful person there never was. A comic legend. Love to Ben's family. RIP
@LouDPhillips
Aww man....RIP to a national treasure Anne Meara. She was timelessly funny.
@joshgroban
Stiller and Meara have been a wonderful presence in comedy my whole life. Now Anne Meara is gone, and I salute her.
@SteveMartinToGo
with a heavy heart - she was so real https://t.co/nvpL3j1plW pic.twitter.com/FkT7t7wKjA
@Rosie
Rest In Peace Anne Meara. Thank you for the laughs on and off the screen of The king Of Queens Your… https://t.co/RXvIAHe9Nn
@LeahRemini
I loved Anne Meara. #RIPAnne https://t.co/RWI6kNKPO8
@billyeichner
RIP Anne Meara. Sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers and love to her family and friends.
@pattyduke_id
I adored #annemeara saw #stiller@meara open for diahann Carroll at the Sands Hotel in Vegas funny cutting edge ahead… https://t.co/S7HOmG9RoA
@SandraBernhard
