NPR

Comedian Jerry Stiller, Who Played Hotheaded Dad On 'Seinfeld,' Dies At 92

Stiller performed in a comedy duo with wife Anne Meara and appeared in films and on Broadway and television. Onscreen, he was George Costanza's father; in real life, he was dad to actor Ben Stiller.
Jerry Stiller performed in a comedy duo with his wife, Anne Meara, and also appeared in films and on Broadway and television. Onscreen, he was George Costanza's father; in real life, he was dad to actor Ben Stiller. He's pictured above in New York City in October 2008.

When Jerry Stiller told his father he wanted to become an actor, his father offered an alternate plan. He said, "Why don't you be a stagehand — that's like being on the stage — at least you'll be working every night," Stiller told Fresh Air in 1993.

Stiller didStiller died of natural causes, his son Ben Stiller Monday.

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