Ben Stiller’s Daughter Ella Reveals Lifelong Anxiety, Details Healing Family Rift

Ella Stiller has spoken publicly about her mental health struggles. The 23-year-old daughter of actor Ben Stiller opened up on a recent podcast. She detailed her lifelong battle with anxiety and depression. Ella also described navigating a complex relationship with her famous father.

Her candid discussion highlights the impact of growing up in Hollywood‘s spotlight. It also reveals a journey toward healing for the entire Stiller family. According to Us Weekly, Ella expressed feeling “an overarching fear of the future” throughout her childhood.

From Childhood Fears to Family Reconciliation

Ella appeared on Gia Giudice’s ‘Casual Chaos’ podcast earlier this month. She stated she has struggled with anxiety “my whole life.” The young actor linked some of this to her public upbringing. Having personal matters play out publicly was “really hard,” she admitted.

She credits medication over the last five years for changing her life. Ella emphasized her family is now in an “amazing place.” She feels grateful to discuss these issues openly today. The Stiller family found new harmony after Ben and Christine Taylor reconciled.

This followed a period of separation that began in 2017. The pandemic quarantine brought them back together permanently. Ella says she no longer takes their positive dynamic for granted.

A Father’s Reflection on Absence and Regret

Ella’s revelations follow earlier comments from both her and her brother Quin. In a documentary about his parents last October, Quin told Ben he often felt like “a father” came last. Ben, known for films like “Zoolander,” was reportedly stunned by this feedback.

He had aimed to be more present than his own showbiz parents, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Ben believed he was “pulling it off” by flying home on weekends. Hearing his children’s perspective was a difficult realization for him.

In an interview with Esquire, Ben recalled Ella telling him she couldn’t remember him being around. He acknowledged it was “hard to hear” but important. Ben learned his kids weren’t keeping score on his career achievements. They simply wanted an emotionally present parent.

Ella Stiller’s journey underscores the universal challenges of parenting and mental health, even in Hollywood. Her story of managing anxiety and mending family bonds offers a relatable glimpse behind the celebrity curtain.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What did Ella Stiller say about her mental health?

Ella revealed she has struggled with anxiety and depression her entire life. She described a childhood filled with an “overarching fear” of the future. Now 23, she says medication and therapy have helped her reach an amazing place.

Q2: How did Ben Stiller react to his children’s comments?

Ben was initially shocked, as he believed he was more present than his own parents. He told Esquire the feedback was hard to hear but necessary. He has since acknowledged prioritizing work over family at times.

Q3: Are Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor still together?

Yes, the couple reconciled after a separation that started in 2017. They never formally divorced. Quarantining together during the pandemic helped them reunite for good.

Q4: What did Ella say about growing up in the public eye?

She believes dealing with personal issues publicly fed into her anxiety. Ella stated that having a childhood in the spotlight was challenging. However, she does not blame her parents for their choices.

Q5: Is Ella Stiller also an actor?

Yes, Ella has followed her parents into acting. She has had roles in “Hubie Halloween” and Ben’s series “Escape at Dannemora.” Her mother, Christine Taylor, said Ella came out of the womb “with a mission” to perform.