A fabulous Hollywood couple is back in action. “Ben & Jen?” No. “Ashton and Demi?” No. The Hollywood couple is Owen and Ben. Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller star in the hilarious comedy “Starsky and Hutch” which opened on March 5. Why are Wilson and Stiller such a dynamic, down-to-earth, comedic couple? They have acted together in six films together, from 1996’s “The Cable Guy” to “Starsky and Hutch.” Wilson and Stiller have created a name for themselves as the two parts to Hollywood’s funniest comedy couple.
“We’re both up-and-down personalities. We’ve been friends for a long time, and we have a pretty similar sense of humor,” Wilson told Joel Stein in the March 8 issue of Time. Wilson and Stiller probably work so well together for two main reasons.
Both Wilson and Stiller are hysterical by themselves. The movie-going audience knows that these men are dynamite at what they do. To get them to collaborate time and time again is a treat.
Wilson and Stiller are friends off camera, as well. So often we read of actors who despise their co-workers but their characters love each other in a movie. Some can see through those facades and know that it’s just acting.
When the two are on screen together, the magic begins. Stiller reminds us of a guy who’s got it all together, or at least tries to. Wilson is reminiscent of a free spirited laid-back surfer. But, these opposites certainly have a knack for comedic timing. Their characters play off of each other until the audience is laughing out loud.
And here is the list of films that Wilson and Stiller have starred in together, although there isn’t a review of each movie here.
In “Starsky & Hutch” Stiller plays Dave Starsky and Wilson plays Ken Hutchinson (Hutch). This movie is a remake of the popular 70s TV show of the same name.
“The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001). Written by Wilson, this film stars Stiller as Chas Tenenbaum and Wilson as Eli Cash. The film stars other acting greats such as Gene Hackman, Angelica Huston, and Gwyneth Paltrow.
“Zoolander” (2001). Stiller is Derek Zoolander and Wilson is Hansel McDonald. Stiller helped to develop the character of Derek and is credited with helping to write this film, as well as directing it. Derek and Hansel are America’s two top models in this farce on the modeling industry in the country.
“Meet the Parents” (2000). Stiller as Gaylord (Greg) Focker and Wilson as Kevin Rawley. Greg is dating Kevin’s ex-girlfriend Pam. Greg and Kevin meet when Greg comes to meet Pam’s parents for the first time.
“Permanent Midnight” (1998) Stiller as Jerry Stahl and Wilson as Nicky. This film, based on the life of TV hack writer Jerry Stahl, was a box office flop. Wilson, among others, did an excellent job of supporting Stiller in his lead role.
“The Cable Guy” (1996) Stiller is Sam Sweet/Stan Sweet and Wilson is ‘Robin’s date’. Although the two didn’t have lead roles together, this is where their friendship started to form. Stiller directed the film starring Jim Carey.
Shawn Adler, a contributing editor at UnderGroundOnline, recently interviewed the stars about their newest movie. When Adler asked what keeps drawing the men back to films that star them both, Stiller answered, “We just enjoy each other’s company and have fun working together. As long as people seem to allow us to work together I think it will kinda keep on going.” Wilson interjected, “But I think even if people didn’t allow us, I would like to think we would be in the Marina doing community theatre.”
Hopefully the world will continue to enjoy seeing Stiller and Wilson working together. Their movies have audiences in stitches, do well at the box office, and provide us all with a healthy, stable picture of a terrific Hollywood couple.