Ben Stiller Says This One Surprise Co-Star Left an Entire Film Set in Shock: “We Couldn’t Believe He Said Yes”

Ben Stiller recently looked back on his legendary career, specifically recalling the surreal experience of working alongside the late David Bowie. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the comedian shared that having the “Starman” on the set of Zoolander remains one of his most prized professional memories.

Stiller described the icon as a person of immense class and generosity, noting that his presence alone brought a sense of legitimate fashion-world authority to the 2001 comedy. In the film’s memorable runway “walk-off,” Bowie played a self-deprecating version of himself, judging a fierce competition between Derek Zoolander and Hansel McDonald.

Stiller admitted he was shocked when the rock star originally agreed to the part, but Bowie’s natural humor and willingness to participate in the absurd disqualification scene made him a favorite among the cast and crew. For Stiller, that short period of time spent with the music legend stands as a defining high point in his life.

This tradition of working with music icons continues as Stiller prepares for the release of Focker In-Law, the fourth installment of the Meet the Parents series. Stiller revealed that he has been having a blast collaborating with Ariana Grande, who joins the franchise as a central figure in the new family dynamic. He praised her sharp comedic timing and professional energy.

Stiller is also currently making waves in the commercial space, starring in a high-energy Super Bowl campaign for Instacart alongside singer Benson Boone. Directed by Spike Jonze, the retro-themed ad features the two as moustachioed European brothers whose sibling rivalry boils over during a musical number about choosing the perfect bananas.

Stiller expressed total admiration for Boone, calling the “Beautiful Things” singer a naturally talented performer who effortlessly handled the comedic improv and physical stunts required for the shoot.

Beyond his comedic returns, Ben Stiller is successfully branching out into more serious directorial work. He recently finished work on the second season of the critically acclaimed sci-fi thriller Severance and is now shifting his focus to the big screen.

He is currently attached to direct a World War II survival drama titled The Lost Airman, which is rumored to star Jake Gyllenhaal. This project represents a major departure from his usual roles, showing a new side of Stiller as a filmmaker interested in high-stakes, dramatic storytelling.

Fans of the Focker franchise have plenty to look forward to this year, as Focker In-Law is officially set to hit theaters on November 25. The film, directed by John Hamburg, will reunite Stiller with Robert De Niro and Owen Wilson, with the plot reportedly centering on Greg and Pam’s grown-up children.

Do you think Ben Stiller’s shift toward directing serious dramas will eventually lead him to step away from comedy entirely, or will he always return to the characters that made him famous? Share your thoughts in the comments.