Ben Stiller’s massively successful comedy career has made him a household name and multi-millionaire celebrity. But despite his immense fame and fortune, Stiller’s single biggest professional regret remains quitting the exclusive actor training program at The Actors Studio after just one year. Though initially intimidated by the demands, Stiller now looks back wishing he had found the courage to fully commit and develop his talents there.
Decades since his brief time at the Actors Studio early in his career, Stiller continues to cherish the fundamental acting lessons instilled in him during that single formative year. He credits the techniques and training methods learned there for establishing an indispensable foundation, even drawing upon them still today at the height of his success. Stiller’s perspective offers insight into valuing educational experiences in the moment, before the full benefits become apparent.
Ben Stiller Regrets Not Committing to Prestigious Acting Program
Decades since his brief time at the Studio, Ben Stiller continues to cherish the acting fundamentals instilled in him during that single formative year. Interestingly, while the Actors Studio focuses on intense dramatic acting methods, Stiller was able to translate much of that fundamental training into success in comedy.
Even now, he draws upon the skills and training techniques learned there early in his development. Stiller’s perspective offers insight into valuing educational experiences, even if we fail to take full advantage of them at the time.
Struggled With Intimidating Expectations
Stiller was accepted to the highly competitive Actors Studio in 1985 at age 19. But he says trying to do intense METHOD acting exercises left him overwhelmed. “I psyched myself out overthinking,” Stiller admitted.
The expectations to deliver profound acting insights intimidated Stiller. “You’re supposed to have something amazing to say about every scene,” he said. Lacking confidence, Stiller quit, fearing he failed to live up to the Studio’s standards.
Cherishes Skills Learned Before Leaving
Though his time was short, Stiller said the Actors Studio gave him “a great year of learning” key techniques. The program taught him to analyze scripts and break down a character on a deeper level.
Stiller values that training, saying it gave him an important foundation. “I use and apply the things I learned at the Actors Studio all the time,” he revealed. The experience left a lasting impact.
Friends say you can see the influence of his theatrical education in the fully embodied comic characters he portrays. Those vital acting chops empower his humorous performances.
Though Ben Stiller walked away from prestigious actor training feeling overwhelmed and underqualified, he now preaches the importance of sticking it out rather than quitting prematurely. Despite doubts, seeing things through would have given his talents time to blossom. Stiller shows that the full value of education comes in completing the journey, and not giving up at the first challenge.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
