Ben Stiller Names the One Co-Star Who Stunned Everyone on Set: “I Couldn’t Believe He Said Yes”

Ben Stiller recently took time to reflect on some of the most unforgettable moments of his career, and one name stood out above the rest. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor and director shared that working with David Bowie on Zoolander remains one of the most surreal experiences of his life.

Stiller said having Bowie on set felt almost unreal. He explained that the music legend brought a sense of real fashion credibility to the 2001 comedy, especially during the now-famous runway walk-off scene. Bowie appeared as himself, calmly judging the face-off between Derek Zoolander and Hansel McDonald.

According to Stiller, Bowie carried himself with incredible grace and kindness. He described him as someone who instantly elevated the room just by being there. The fact that Bowie was willing to poke fun at himself made the moment even more special.

Stiller admitted he never expected Bowie to agree to the role in the first place. He said he couldn’t believe he said yes, and once Bowie arrived, everyone on set was in awe. His humor and ease with the absurd scene made him an instant favorite with the cast and crew.

Even though Bowie’s time on the film was short, Stiller said it left a lasting impact. He called it one of the true highlights of his professional life. The experience still stands out decades later as something he deeply treasures.

That tradition of collaborating with music stars is continuing for Stiller. He is currently preparing for the release of Focker In Law, the fourth film in the Meet the Parents franchise. In the movie, he stars alongside Ariana Grande, who joins the cast as a key part of the family storyline.

Stiller spoke highly of Grande, praising her comedic timing and energy on set. He said working with her has been a lot of fun and that she brings something fresh to the long-running series. The film is set to arrive in theaters on November 25 and is directed by John Hamburg.

Stiller has also been popping up in unexpected places. He recently appeared in a Super Bowl commercial for Instacart alongside singer Benson Boone. The ad was directed by Spike Jonze and featured the two playing dramatic European brothers arguing through a musical number.

Stiller said he was impressed by Boone’s performance. He called the singer a natural and praised how easily he handled both comedy and physical scenes. He added that Boone brought great energy to the shoot.

Beyond acting, Stiller continues to build his reputation as a serious director. He recently wrapped work on the second season of the sci-fi thriller Severance, which has earned strong critical praise. The show has helped showcase a different side of his creative vision.

Looking ahead, Stiller is attached to direct a World War II survival drama titled The Lost Airman. The film is rumored to star Jake Gyllenhaal and marks a major shift toward dramatic storytelling. It is another sign that Stiller’s career continues to evolve in new and surprising ways.

From unforgettable moments with David Bowie to new projects across film, television, and comedy, which part of Ben Stiller’s career do you find most impressive? Share your thoughts in the comments.