Ben Stiller.Photo: Nicholas Hunt/Getty
Ben Stillergot into a lengthy debate over nepotism in Hollywood.
“Hollywood’s a meritocracy, right?“Leonard tweetedon Tuesday.
Stiller, who is the son of comedy legends Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, responded to the tweet, writing, “Too easy@franklinleonard. People, working, creating. Everyone has their path. Wish them all the best.”
Leonard tweeted back, “I do, without fail, but I also think it’s important that we acknowledge those paths.”
TheZoolanderstar wrote, “Yes. Just speaking from experience, and I don’t know any of them, I would bet they all have faced challenges. Different than those with no access to the industry. Show biz as we all know is pretty rough, and ultimately is a meritocracy.”
The debate with Leonard continued as he responded with, “I don’t for a second doubt that they’ve all faced challenges. They’re human. I simply reject the claim that the industry is - in the short term or long term - a meritocracy.”
“If it were, how do you explain the utter lack of diversity behind the camera? Lack of merit?” Leonard added.
Stiller tweeted, “100 percent agree. Diversity is much bigger issue. No question. And I see your point, access is access. So yes. I’m saying that untalented people don’t really last if they get a break because of who they are or know or are related to.”
Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List.Noam Galai/WireImage
Leonard hit back, citing “other factors” that prevent those without connections in Hollywood from breaking out, such as “(who they know, colonial legacy, sexism, whatever).”
“It’s not just access. It’s undervaluation. It’s active discrimination. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The Hollywood film C-suite is the least diverse sector in American business. Less diverse than Trump’s cabinet,” Leonard tweeted at Stiller, before adding a gif that read, “Those are the facts.”
Stiller simply responded with a gif of Steve Carell fromThe Officein which he says, “I am dead inside.”
His older sister, Anne, also appeared on several of his own films includingReality Bites, Dodgeball: A True Underdog StoryandZoolander.
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Stiller’s children, daughter Ella Olivia Stiller and son Quinn Stiller have had roles in some of his films. The actor directed Ella in an episode of his miniseriesEscape at Dannemorain 2018. Ella has also had roles inNight at the Museum: Secret of the Tomband 2020’sHubie Halloween, both of which her father also starred in.
Quinn appeared in an uncredited role inNight at the Museum: Secret of the Tomband had a small role in this year’sLocked Downstarring Anne Hathaway and Chiwetel Ejiofor.
source: people.com
