ACTOR AND comedian Jerry Stiller has died, aged 92.
Jerry’s son and fellow actor Ben Stiller confirmed the sad news in a statement posted to social media.
"I'm sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes," Ben wrote.
"He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad."
A much-loved star of comedic actor of some repute, Jerry served in the US Army during the Second World War before pursuing a career in the world of entertainment.
He found early success as part of a double act alongside his late wife, Anne Meara, appearing regularly on a string of TV shows including, most notably, The Ed Sullivan Show.
I’m sad to say that my father, Jerry Stiller, passed away from natural causes. He was a great dad and grandfather, and the most dedicated husband to Anne for about 62 years. He will be greatly missed. Love you Dad. pic.twitter.com/KyoNsJIBz5
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 11, 2020
The couple continued to perform together throughout the 1960s and 70s, during which time their two children, Ben and Amy, were born.
Stiller also carved out a career as serious dramatic actor on Broadway, featuring in both film versions of the hit musical Hairspray.
Jerry also went on to enjoy a career renaissance of sorts in the 1990s, after he was cast as Frank Costanza, the father of Jason Alexander’s George Costanza on the hit sitcom Seinfeld.
Serenity now to Jerry Stiller, gone at 92. pic.twitter.com/6j2Fb0QJPV
— Marshall Julius 🇺🇦 (@MarshallJulius) May 11, 2020
It was a performance that earned Stiller widespread acclaim as well as an Emmy nomination.
Stiller had planned on retiring once Seinfeld ended but was convinced otherwise by comedian Kevin James, who recruited the veteran star to play his father-in-law, Arthur Spooner, on The King of Queens.
Jerry also went on to appear alongside his son Ben in the wildly successful spoof on the world of fashion, Zoolander.
All your favourite Seinfeld lines from the late Jerry Stiller. #RIP pic.twitter.com/aWh2kV28fv
— 10 daily (@10Daily) May 11, 2020
In 2015 his wife of 62 years, Anne, passed away with Jerry entering semi-retirement in the years that followed save for the occasional cameo or voice work.
All told, he enjoyed more than seven decades of success on the stage and screen, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy for millions. RIP.
