Ben Stiller has become more protective of kids - Geo News

Ben Stiller has said he has become more protective of his children as they have grown up, comparing himself to his overbearing character in the new film Focker In-Law.

The actor, who shares Ella, 24, and Quinlin, 21, with his wife Christine Taylor, spoke to E! News at the film’s world premiere on 11 November.

“I always was more of a Greg guy in terms of, I didn’t have a lot of rules and stuff like that,” he said. 

“But then, as you let them out into the world, they live their lives, you care about them, you see things coming at them, and you want to be protective.” 

He added: “You try to hold back, too.”

Focker In-Law, in cinemas on 25 November, follows Greg Focker as his adult son Henry, played by Skyler Gisondo, brings home his girlfriend Olivia, played by Ariana Grande. 

More than 25 years after Greg had to win over Jack Byrnes, the retired CIA agent played by Robert De Niro in Meet the Parents, the roles are reversed.

Stiller said he understands both characters, since each wants to be protective. “It’s just different ways of expressing it,” he said.

“She just has amazing timing,” he said, adding that she created a character the audience is unsure about and then ends up rooting for. “She gave it all these great colors and she was amazing.”

As for De Niro, his co-star in Meet the Parents, Meet the Fockers and Little Fockers, Stiller admitted the nerves have never gone away. 

He said they have got to know each other a little over the years, but “enough that I’m still intimidated when I see him.”

“It’s always a little something because he’s always Robert De Niro,” he said. “He is a living legend for us actors.”