Jerry Stiller's still going strong and loving it - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 02-07-2009, 02:13 AM

You've got to figure that at 81, with two very successful sitcoms currently in worldwide syndication, actor Jerry Stiller probably doesn't need to work.

"I'm living in the Upper West Side of New York, in the lap of luxury, and I don't have to do anything if I don't want to," Stiller says, sounding quite content.

Clearly, there's something more powerful than the lure of money that keeps pulling the veteran actor back to the stage. It's a force that's possessed him since he was a child growing up in Depression-era New York, when his father, an unemployed cab driver, took him to vaudeville shows.

"There's still this need in me to perform, which doesn't seem to want to leave me," he offers in a very candid admission. "I guess it keeps my brain alive, but more than anything else, I think (performing) gives me the affection that I'm still looking for in my life."

Just so we're clear and no rumors get started, that's audience affection he craves. He still gets plenty of affection at home from Anne Meara, actress, author, playwright and Stiller's wife of 54 years -- and his former comedy-team partner. With 36 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" during the 1960s, Stiller and Meara were one of America's hottest comedy teams for 20 years, although each also pursued solo projects.

A classically trained actor who went through Syracuse University on the G.I. Bill, Stiller moves easily among stage, film and television and deftly switches between drama and comedy. Stiller gained a big following in 1994 when he began a five-year run as Frank Costanza, the loud, irascible, excitable father of Jerry Seinfeld's best friend George on "Seinfeld." When that series ended, Stiller, who wasn't interested in going right into another sitcom, finally gave in to Kevin James' endless begging. He agreed to play Arthur Spooner on "The King of Queens," a role he played until the show ended in 2007. Both "Seinfeld" and "The King of Queens" are currently in global syndication.

"I'm doing fine for a guy nobody told to be an actor," he says. "At this point in time, I'm amazed at how lucky I've been, if you want to call it luck."

http://www.courierpostonline.com/art...60305/1044/ENT

catlover79 · 02-07-2009, 02:14 AM

God bless him...I've always loved Jerry Stiller. His wife is very cool, too - we share the same birthday!!

ryan423 · 02-07-2009, 02:32 AM

He's one of my favorite comedic actors of all time. The King of Queens wouldn't have been the same without him, and you can see it in episodes which he does not appear.

HuntingtonM15 · 02-07-2009, 02:45 AM

KOQ would have NEVER been the same without him. He created Arthur to be one of my favorite TV characters of all-time. I don't know if I have just one all-time favorite, but he's quite close to the top spot.

Marvo301 · 02-07-2009, 03:29 AM

Arthur was my favorite character on KOQ in large part due to Jerry Stiller's comedic talents. He was also wonderful on Seinfeld as Frank Costanza. If I listen very closely I can still hear his cry "serenity now, serenity now".

catlover79 · 02-07-2009, 12:06 PM

I still have to say "SERENITY NOW!" to myself sometimes.

02-07-2009, 02:13 AM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Jerry Stiller's still going strong and loving it You've got to figure that at 81, with two very successful sitcoms currently in worldwide syndication, actor Jerry Stiller probably doesn't need to work. "I'm living in the Upper West Side of New York, in the lap of luxury, and I don't have to do anything if I don't want to," Stiller says, sounding quite content. Clearly, there's something more powerful than the lure of money that keeps pulling the veteran actor back to the stage. It's a force that's possessed him since he was a child growing up in Depression-era New York, when his father, an unemployed cab driver, took him to vaudeville shows. "There's still this need in me to perform, which doesn't seem to want to leave me," he offers in a very candid admission. "I guess it keeps my brain alive, but more than anything else, I think (performing) gives me the affection that I'm still looking for in my life." Just so we're clear and no rumors get started, that's audience affection he craves. He still gets plenty of affection at home from Anne Meara, actress, author, playwright and Stiller's wife of 54 years -- and his former comedy-team partner. With 36 appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" during the 1960s, Stiller and Meara were one of America's hottest comedy teams for 20 years, although each also pursued solo projects. A classically trained actor who went through Syracuse University on the G.I. Bill, Stiller moves easily among stage, film and television and deftly switches between drama and comedy. Stiller gained a big following in 1994 when he began a five-year run as Frank Costanza, the loud, irascible, excitable father of Jerry Seinfeld's best friend George on "Seinfeld." When that series ended, Stiller, who wasn't interested in going right into another sitcom, finally gave in to Kevin James' endless begging. He agreed to play Arthur Spooner on "The King of Queens," a role he played until the show ended in 2007. Both "Seinfeld" and "The King of Queens" are currently in global syndication. "I'm doing fine for a guy nobody told to be an actor," he says. "At this point in time, I'm amazed at how lucky I've been, if you want to call it luck." http://www.courierpostonline.com/art...60305/1044/ENT
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

02-07-2009, 02:14 AM	#2
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	God bless him...I've always loved Jerry Stiller. His wife is very cool, too - we share the same birthday!!
	__________________ "Jesus loves you and He approves this message." "I'm alive. I'm feeling good. I'm trying to live every moment as much as I can." - Valerie Harper, March 2013

02-07-2009, 03:29 AM	#5
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Arthur was my favorite character on KOQ in large part due to Jerry Stiller's comedic talents. He was also wonderful on Seinfeld as Frank Costanza. If I listen very closely I can still hear his cry "serenity now, serenity now".
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

02-07-2009, 02:32 AM	#3
ryan423 Member Senior Member Join Date: Oct 15, 2007 Posts: 1,829	He's one of my favorite comedic actors of all time. The King of Queens wouldn't have been the same without him, and you can see it in episodes which he does not appear.

02-07-2009, 02:45 AM	#4
HuntingtonM15 That Bothers Me Moderator Forum Star Join Date: Jun 20, 2003 Location: Metro Detroit Posts: 11,060	KOQ would have NEVER been the same without him. He created Arthur to be one of my favorite TV characters of all-time. I don't know if I have just one all-time favorite, but he's quite close to the top spot.

02-07-2009, 12:06 PM	#6
catlover79 God Bless Val Forum Addict Join Date: May 29, 2006 Location: Bewitched in Ohio Posts: 70,382	I still have to say "SERENITY NOW!" to myself sometimes.