Full Breakdown
Ben Stiller Reflects on Iconic Collaborations with David Bowie and Ariana Grande
2/7/2026, 11:30:52 PM
Stiller's Memorable Experience with David Bowie in "Zoolander"
Ben Stiller recently shared his reflections on working with the late David Bowie during the filming of the 2001 comedy "Zoolander." Stiller described the experience as one of the high points of his career, noting that Bowie was "incredibly generous" and "classy." The actor recalled that everyone on set was in awe of Bowie, who made a cameo as himself, judging a runway "walk-off" between Stiller's character, Derek Zoolander, and Owen Wilson's character, Hansel McDonald. Stiller expressed his disbelief that Bowie agreed to participate, stating, "When he said yes to doing it, I couldn’t believe he said yes." He emphasized Bowie's sense of humor and self-deprecating nature, which contributed to a memorable atmosphere on set.
Stiller acknowledged that Bowie's involvement lent significant credibility to "Zoolander," enhancing its appeal. "He gave our movie so much credibility by being in that scene," Stiller remarked, highlighting the lasting impact of Bowie's cameo on the film's legacy.
Anticipation for "Focker In-Law" Featuring Ariana Grande
In addition to his reflections on Bowie, Stiller is currently promoting the upcoming sequel to "Meet the Parents," titled "Focker In-Law," which will feature pop star Ariana Grande. Stiller praised Grande's professionalism and comedic talent, stating, "It was great to have her energy coming into this franchise that has been around a long time." He noted that Grande brought a "very new sensibility" to the film, which aligns well with its established tone.
Grande's casting has generated excitement, and Stiller expressed enthusiasm about working with her, saying, "I had a blast working with her." The sequel will also see the return of original cast members, including Robert De Niro, Teri Polo, and Blythe Danner.
Criticism from Barbra Streisand on Pay Disparities
While the anticipation for "Focker In-Law" builds, Barbra Streisand, who portrayed Rozalin Focker in previous installments, has voiced her dissatisfaction regarding pay disparities in the franchise. She expressed frustration over her compensation compared to her male co-stars, stating, "Oh my God, they’d have to pay me a lot of money because I didn’t get paid what the other people got paid." Streisand's comments highlight ongoing discussions about gender pay equity in Hollywood.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Having worked with so many different people over the years, it’s really one of the high points to have had that time with him,” — Ben Stiller
- “He was incredibly generous, incredibly classy — everybody on set was in awe.” — Ben Stiller
- “It was great to have her energy coming into this franchise that has been around a long time, and we hadn’t done for a very long time,” — Ben Stiller
- “They’d have to pay me a lot of money because I didn’t get paid what the other people got paid, and so I’m pissed off.” — Barbra Streisand
As Stiller prepares for the release of "Focker In-Law," his reflections on past collaborations with icons like Bowie and the excitement surrounding new projects illustrate the evolving landscape of Hollywood and the importance of both legacy and fresh talent.
