Ben Stiller’s Thoughts on Reuniting with Christine Taylor
Ben Stiller has openly discussed his journey toward reconciliation with his wife, Christine Taylor, following their separation in 2017.
The couple got married in May 2000 after falling in love while working on a TV pilot titled Heat Vision and Jack the year before. They portrayed love interests in Stiller’s film Zoolander in 2001, and in April 2002, they welcomed their daughter, Ella. Their family grew with the birth of their son, Quinn, in July 2005.
In 2017, Stiller and Taylor announced their decision to part ways after almost two decades of marriage.
“With immense love and respect for one another and the 18 years we shared as partners, we have chosen to separate,” the couple stated in a joint announcement to Us Weekly. “Our main focus will be on raising our children as loving parents and the best of friends. We kindly request that the media honor our privacy during this time.”
Despite their separation, Stiller and Taylor were seen together at various events. They managed to reconnect when the COVID-19 pandemic brought them back together.
“We spent almost a year living under the same roof before we truly became a couple again,” Stiller shared in a January 2025 interview with the New York Times. “I’m incredibly thankful for that time, and I recognize that not many couples find their way back after separation. The experience deepens your appreciation for what you have because we realize it’s not guaranteed.”
Continue reading for insights from Stiller on his relationship with Taylor:
Reconnecting During the Pandemic
In February 2022, Stiller revealed that moving back in with his wife and kids during the pandemic led to an evolution in his relationship with Taylor.
“After being separated, we got back together, and it’s been a wonderful experience for all of us,” he told Esquire. “It was unexpected, a surprising silver lining from the pandemic.”
Finding Clarity in Distance
Stiller shared his thoughts on how his marriage with Taylor was not “in a good place” after their move from California back to New York, following the release of Zoolander 2. Taking time apart provided him with newfound perspective.
“There was a lot happening,” he explained to The New York Times in January 2025. “When we separated, it allowed me to reflect on our relationship, what my life felt like outside of it, and how much I cherished our family.”
Keeping Hope Alive
Stiller admitted that he “didn’t anticipate” reuniting with Taylor but remained hopeful.
“Part of me wasn’t ready to give up,” he shared with The Hollywood Reporter in February 2025. “Some of that comes from witnessing my parents’ journey. I love Christine, I love my family, and I wasn’t willing to just say, ‘That’s it.’”
The Night at the Museum star expressed his satisfaction that he “didn’t miss the opportunity” to reconnect with Taylor and their children.
Facing Personal Challenges
While Stiller’s career thrived, his personal life faced difficulties.
“I felt out of balance, unhappy, and somewhat disconnected from my family and kids, feeling a bit lost,” he reflected in the documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost, which debuted at the New York Film Festival in October 2025. “I thought about my parents and the stress I observed growing up, particularly when they were working together, and how they managed to stay together. I wanted to understand their journey.”
