Jerry Stiller

Actor / Comedian

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In the two-hour solo portion of his interview, Jerry Stiller (1927-2020) chronicles his notable work in the long-form production Seize the Day, and details the role for which he is most well-known, that of "Frank Costanza" on Seinfeld. He explains working with the regular cast members and recalls memorable Seinfeld episodes "The Doorman," "The Fusilli Jerry," and "The Strike." He also recounts his regular appearances as "Arthur Spooner" on The King of Queens.

In the over-one-hour joint portion of their interview, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara (1929-2015) describe how they became a comedy team. They recount meeting as working actors in New York City and getting together as an act. They discuss their many appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show, outline their comedy routines, and talk about the interactions that they had with Ed Sullivan himself. They also speak on the challenges of raising two children (Ben and Amy Stiller) while on the road. Gary J. Rutkowski conducted the interview on December 12, 2005 in Los Angeles, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"I'll never forget, on the first day of the shoot in front of the audience, Julia Louis, Larry, Michael Richards, and the whole cast surrounded me, wishing me well. They were rooting for me. They were protecting me from the fear, 'cause this was something. From that day on, those were the best years of my life as an actor."

People Talking About ...

Jerry Stiller

Highlights

Jerry Stiller on his Seinfeld character "Frank Costanza"

02:59

Jerry Stiller on working with Jason Alexander and Michael Richards on Seinfeld

02:36

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara on their rapport

03:52

Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara on collaborating on projects with their children, Ben and Amy Stiller

00:55

Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On his childhood and early influences; on growing up in Brooklyn and his start in acting

On attending Syracuse University and being one of the first drama majors; on looking for acting jobs and trying to get an agent

Chapter 2

On his comedic influences, including Eddie Cantor; on his early television roles and working in nightclubs

On creating an act with his wife Anne Meara; on his recollections of the Hollywood Blacklist; on his appearances in 1970's movies

Chapter 3

On the series Joe and Sons; on his role in the film "Seize the Day"

On getting cast as "Frank Costanza" on Seinfeld; on the generosity of the actors on the show

Chapter 4

On the creative freedom and support he felt on Seinfeld

On his Seinfeld character "Frank Costanza"; on the makeup, hair, and costumes for "Frank Costanza"

On working with the cast of Seinfeld; on memorable episodes of the show

On the Seinfeld finale; on some of his favorite Seinfeld moments

Chapter 5

On getting cast on The King of Queens; on working with the lead actors of The King of Queens

On a typical work week on The King of Queens; on the popularity of the show

On how he'd like to be remembered

START OF JOINT INTERVIEW WITH ANNE MEARA: On how they met

On becoming a comedy team; on their television debut as a comedy team on The Ed Sullivan Show; on creating their alter egos; on having children

Chapter 6

On rehearsals and material for The Ed Sullivan Show; on Ed Sullivan

On the commercial parodies in their act; on the legacy of The Ed Sullivan Show

On their Blue Nun radio commercials

Chapter 7

On the difficulties of raising a family while they both worked; on their children, Ben and Amy Stiller, being interested in show business

On fighting for the Cobra bill to extend health insurance for actors; on speaking out politically; on their favorite stories about each other

Shows

Colgate Comedy Hour, The

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Jerry Stiller on his first job in television - on The Colgate Comedy Hour as an extra

02:16

Ed Sullivan Show, The aka Toast of the Town

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Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara on appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show