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Ben Stiller: Comedy's Risk-Taking Suffers in Today's Climate

10/21/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Ben Stiller, the actor and comedian known for Zoolander and Tropic Thunder, says risk-taking in comedy is harder in today’s politically charged climate in a Radio Times interview.
He cites Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel's remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Stiller criticizes the suspension, saying, "This isn’t right," and urges resisting external pressure.
He notes social media shortens attention spans and shapes contemporary comedy.

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Story summary

Ben Stiller, the actor and comedian known for Zoolander and Tropic Thunder, says risk-taking in comedy is harder in today’s politically charged climate in a Radio Times interview.
He cites Disney's suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after Kimmel's remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Stiller criticizes the suspension, saying, "This isn’t right," and urges resisting external pressure.
He notes social media shortens attention spans and shapes contemporary comedy.