Ben Stiller Donates His Parents’ Comedy Archive to the National Comedy Center

Ben Stiller has made a heartfelt donation that bridges family legacy and comedy history. The actor and filmmaker has given the complete career archive of his parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, to the National Comedy Center (NCC) in Jamestown, New York.

The donation honors the iconic comedy duo Stiller & Meara, whose sharp wit and warm chemistry made them one of America’s favorite acts throughout the 1960s and 1970s. They appeared on numerous TV programs and variety shows, including 36 appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, captivating audiences with their mix of observational humor and relationship-driven sketches.

According to the NCC, the newly acquired archive contains tens of thousands of pages chronicling the couple’s creative journey. The materials range from their earliest improv sessions at Chicago’s Compass Players to handwritten drafts of famous sketches like “Computer Dating” and “The Last Two People on Earth,” which made history on Ed Sullivan’s stage. Also included are love letters written during their early courtship, showing a deeply personal side of their long partnership.

Dr. Laura LaPlaca, the head of the NCC’s archives, described the collection as a treasure trove that showcases the evolution of two comedic artists and their impact on American humor. She noted that the materials reflect not only their professional achievements but also the emotional depth of their creative collaboration.

Ben Stiller expressed how meaningful this preservation is for his family. “Knowing my parents’ body of work is preserved at the National Comedy Center means a great deal,” he said. “The material they left behind was not just a gift for my family, but for anyone who wants to understand comedy as a creative process. They would have been proud to know that the NCC is bringing their archive to life to inspire and educate future generations.”

Journey Gunderson, Executive Director of the NCC, added that the Stiller & Meara collection enhances the museum’s mission to preserve comedy as a vital art form. She emphasized how their work went beyond humor, subtly addressing themes like cultural differences, interfaith relationships, and gender equality, which made their material both funny and quietly groundbreaking.

The donation also arrives alongside the release of Ben Stiller’s new documentary, “Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost.” The film offers a deep look into the lives of his parents, their love story, and their creative partnership. It premiered in select theaters on October 17 and will stream on Apple TV+ starting October 24.

With this donation, the National Comedy Center continues to grow its remarkable collection, which already includes artifacts from legends like George Carlin, Joan Rivers, and Lenny Bruce. The Stiller & Meara archive will now stand among these giants, offering comedy lovers and researchers a window into the heart and humor of one of the most beloved duos in American entertainment.