Serenity Now: The Jerry Stiller Quiz

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Born in 1927, Jerry Stiller was the eldest of his parents' four children. In what city, that coincidentally was also the setting of his most popular shows, was Jerry Stiller born?

Answer: New York City, NY

Jerry Stiller was born with the name Gerald Isaac Stiller in Brooklyn, NY to Bella and William Stiller. He was raised Jewish and his family moved to the Lower East Side of Manhattan prior to attending high school.

2. In what strong branch of the United States Armed Forces did Jerry Stiller serve at the end of World War II?

Answer: Army

Victory in Europe day effectively ended the war in Europe on May 8th 1945, one month before Jerry Stiller's 18th birthday. Therefore, he did not see any active combat. Through his military service Stiller was able to attend college via the G.I. bill.

3. Not surprising given his chosen career, in what field of study did Jerry Stiller earn a bachelor's degree in 1950?

Answer: Speech and Drama

From a young age Jerry Stiller loved acting and theater. In addition to his formal studies at Syracuse University, Stiller also studied drama at the HB Studio in Greenwich Village.

4. In 1953 Jerry Stiller met someone who would become both his comedic partner and longtime spouse. Who was this woman, who was nominated for an Emmy for her work in the tv show "Kate McShane" in 1976?

Answer: Anne Meara

Similar to Jerry Stiller, Ann Meara was born in Brooklyn. Shortly after their marriage in 1954 Stiller and Meara moved to Chicago and worked for the improv company The Compass Players. Eventually they moved back to New York and worked together as the comedy team 'Stiller and Meara'. Stiller and Meara were married for more than 60 years at the time of her passing in 2015.

5. As his comedy duo work with his wife came to an end Jerry Stiller began to appear in small television and film roles. In what 1974 film did he have his first credited role, in which he played the part of Lt. Rico Patrone trying to help subway riders who had been taken hostage?

Answer: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" was a box office and critical success. The film starred Walter Matthau as Lt. Zachary Garber and Robert Shaw as the villain Mr. Blue. The four hijackers in the film demand $1 million from the city of New York and vow to kill passengers if they are not paid. Jerry Stiller's character Rico helps the lieutenant thwart the hijacker's plans and they uncover that one of them is connected with the Transit Authority.

6. Jerry Stiller's career got a significant boost when he appeared on the hit show "Seinfeld" in the 1990s. What character did he portray, the father to one of the primary cast members?

Answer: Frank Costanza

Jerry Stiller first appeared on "Seinfeld" as Frank Costanza in Season 4 in a guest role and from seasons 5-9 he was a recurring character. Frank was the father to George, who was played by Jason Alexander, and husband of Estelle who was played by Estelle Harris.

A high-strung individual, Frank Costanza comically says "serenity now" when he gets angry to help control his blood pressure.

7. As a reaction to the commercialization of the Christmas season Jerry Stiller's character on "Seinfeld" created a holiday on December 23rd 'for the rest of us'. What was this holiday that was the focal point of the episode "The Strike"?

Answer: Festivus

The origin of the Festivus 'holiday' can be traced back to the family of Dan O'Keefe who co-wrote the "Seinfeld" episode that brought Festivus into popular culture. The O'Keefe family had a celebration near Christmas-time since the 1960s, in which they celebrated with the remaining family members that were not deceased, i.e. 'the rest of us'.

In "Seinfeld" Frank Costanza (Jerry Stiller) describes that the holiday includes a Festivus dinner, a plain aluminum pole, an Airing of Grievances and Feats of Strength.

8. On what show did Jerry Stiller star alongside Kevin James and Leah Remini from 1998 to 2007, in which he lived in their basement?

Answer: King of Queens

"King of Queens" was a hit comedy on CBS that ran for 207 episodes. On the show Doug (Kevin James) works as a delivery driver and his wife Carrie (Leah Remini) is a secretary. Their middle class lives in Queens, NY are relatively normal except for the fact that Carrie's father Arthur (Jerry Stiller) lives in the basement and is constantly providing unsolicited advice and invading their privacy.

9. While Jerry Stiller is funny, his son Ben Stiller has gained an even higher profile for his comedic roles. In what 2001 film did they appear alongside each other with Ben starring as a male model and Jerry playing his agent?

Answer: Zoolander

"Zoolander" was a satire on the fashion industry and in it Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) is a self-absorbed simple-minded model in New York, who unwittingly gets involved in an assassination plot. With the help of his former rival model Hansel (Owen Wilson) they uncover that his agent Maury (Jerry Stiller) is a part of the nefarious scheme.

A sequel, "Zoolander 2", was released in 2016 and was Jerry Stiller's final film role.

10. One of Jerry Stiller's last roles was in 2014 as the voice of the title character in an animated holiday television special. What was this tv special that took place in the town of Stinky Cigars and featured Stiller's character as the temperamental owner of the town diner?

Answer: How Murray Saved Christmas

Jerry Stiller voiced the title character, Murray Weiner, in "How Murray Saved Christmas". The plot involved the town of Stinky Cigars, the home of popular holiday figures like Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. The town's name detracts tourists from visiting so the holiday characters can keep a low profile.

In spite of his grumpiness, Murray helps save Christmas after Santa Claus is injured. "How Murray Saved Christmas" also featured the voice talents of Sean Hayes, Kevin Michael Richardson, Jason Alexander and John Ratzenberger.

Source: Author Triviaballer

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor skunkee before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Jerry Stiller had a decades long career and was highly respected. This quiz will cover both his life and roles. Good luck!

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