Ben Stiller encourages comedians to continue pushing boundaries.
During a recent interview with Radio TimesThe “Severance” director said the comedy faces unprecedented challenges in the current political climate. However, he urged those working in this genre not to give in to external pressure.
“We live in a world where it’s harder to take risks with comedy,” Stiller said. “You see it in the middle of our country. But I think it's important that comedians continue to do what they do, speak truth to power and be free to say what they want. That's the most important thing.”
Freedom of speech in comedy has been a major focus in Hollywood ever since. Jimmy Kimmel was temporarily taken off air by ABC after the late-night host made an on-air comment about the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. ABC has suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! September 17, and network brought the show back on air September 22.
Stiller went on to name another threat to comedy: social media. He fears the hyperactive nature of platforms like TikTok and Instagram has ruined audience attention spans and weakened comedians' craft.
“You have things that reach huge audiences very quickly,” Stiller said. “I think we've reduced our attention spans a little bit. I was lucky to grow up in an analogue world.”
Stiller was one of Hollywood's most successful comedians of the late '90s and early '00s, appearing in films such as Happy Gilmore, Meet the Parents, Zoolander, Anchorman, Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story and Tropic Thunder.
