Actor, Jerry Stiller has died aged 92, as his TV son and daughter pay tribute to him on their social media handles, TMZ reports.
Jason added, “Getting to work with him and know him has been one of the great honours and joys of my life. He was as much a second father to me as any friend could be, the most loving, gentle, kind, humble and generous man. I cherish every moment in his company.
Jerry Stiller and Meara are together again and heaven is funnier for it. My condolences to Ben and Amy and their families. And finally to my TV dad and dear, dear friend — serenity now.”
Jerry Stiller was one of the most accomplished comedians of his time. Jerry and Anne Meara teamed up together to produce an incredibly popular husband/wife comedy duo, appearing on tons of TV shows. They also produced son Ben Stiller, who said his dad died from natural causes.
As they say … yada, yada, yada, and then Jerry got a call from the folks over at “Seinfeld” to see if he wanted to play George Costanza’s pop, Frank, and thankfully, Jerry said yes.
He was hysterical … he hated that Jews couldn’t really partake in XMAS festivities, so he invented Festivus, which he called “a holiday for the rest of us where you gather your family around and you tell them all the ways they have disappointed you over the past year.”
He actually didn’t even appear in a “Seinfeld” episode until Season 5, the show went 9 seasons and was only on 30 of the 180 shows, but he made an indelible impression, inventing products like bras for men.
Anne Meara, Jerry’s wife of more than 60 years — died at the age of 85
Ben also played opposite his mom she co-starred with him in the 2006 flick, “Night at the Museum.”
Jerry Stilling and Anne had 2 kids … Ben and Amy. She’s also an actress who has also appeared in small roles alongside her famous father.
Ben said, “He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad.”
(TMZ)