Originally appeared on E! Online
The Reunion of Love: Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor
Ben Stiller has always been a figure who captures the hearts of audiences, not just through his comedic brilliance but also with his personal journey of love and reconciliation. After separating in 2017, Stiller and Christine Taylor, both renowned for their roles in the movie “Zoolander,” have rekindled their relationship, embodying a beautiful narrative of love overcoming challenges.
A Journey Through Separation
Following their separation, the couple, who share two children—Ella, 23, and Quinlin, 20—discovered the importance of what they had built over nearly two decades. Stiller revealed to E! News, “You just have to want to be together and want to make it work. I think that’s the biggest thing.” This profound realization spoke to his commitment not only to the relationship but also to the essence of family.
Inspiration from the Past
Stiller’s reflections grew deeper through the process of creating his documentary, “Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost,” which focuses on his late parents, Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller. This endeavor helped him gain insights into the dynamics of marriage and commitment, allowing him to draw parallels with his own life. “It’s just about a commitment to the relationship,” he mused, as he acknowledged how the lessons learned through his parents’ successful marriage provided a framework for his renewed commitment to Taylor.
Mutual Commitment to the Relationship
A noteworthy aspect of their reunion is the mutual decision to commit to each other again. Stiller expressed gratitude that both he and Taylor recognized the value of their relationship. “I feel really lucky that we got to a place where we could—on both sides—value what we had and want to make it work,” he shared. This mutual acknowledgment is vital in any relationship, reinforcing that love is a two-way street.
Redefining Love During Separation
Interestingly, their separation served as a catalyst for appreciation. Stiller commented on how the time apart allowed him to evaluate their relationship more clearly. “When we separated, it was just having space to see what our relationship was,” he explained. This period allowed him to truly feel the impact of their family unit and recognize how much he cherished it. He articulated, “I loved our family unit,” reflecting on the insights that emerged from a time of distance.
The Role of Timing and COVID
During the pandemic, circumstances brought the couple back under one roof, living together again with their children. Stiller noted, “In my mind, I never didn’t want us to be together.” This unexpected reunion became a turning point, allowing both Stiller and Taylor to reconsider their relationship and see their love with newfound clarity.
Appreciating the Moment
As Stiller described their renewed bond, he shared a beautiful sentiment about returning to one another: “There’s nothing like that, when you come back. You have so much more appreciation for what you have because we know we could not have it.” This deepened appreciation underscores the value of love that can sometimes be taken for granted, emphasizing how experiences can shape one’s understanding of relationships.
—Reporting by Nikaline McCarley
PHOTOSQuinlin Stiller, Christine Taylor, Ella Stiller, Ben Stiller