Ben Stiller: “Working With David Bowie Was One of the High Points of My Career”

Ben Stiller has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, but there’s one collaboration that still stands out above the rest: David Bowie.

Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Stiller said Bowie's cameo in the 2001 comedy Zoolander remains one of the most meaningful moments of his career.

“Having worked with so many different people over the years, it’s really one of the high points to have had that time with him,” Stiller said. “He was incredibly generous, incredibly classy — everybody on set was in awe.”

Bowie famously appeared as himself in one of the film’s most memorable scenes, judging the over-the-top runway “walk-off” between rival models Derek Zoolander (Stiller) and Hansel McDonald, played by Owen Wilson. With a straight face, Bowie lays out “old-school rules,” carefully scribbles notes on his palm, and ultimately disqualifies Derek after Hansel pulls off an unforgettable underwear stunt.

Stiller admitted he was stunned when Bowie agreed to the cameo in the first place. “When he said yes to doing it, I couldn’t believe he said yes,” he said. “He had a great sense of humor and was incredibly self-deprecating. I feel really fortunate that I got to spend a little time with him.”

According to Stiller, Bowie’s presence also gave Zoolander instant credibility. “He gave our movie so much legitimacy by being in that scene,” he said. “It’s been a high point in my career, for sure.”

Stiller is still teaming up with music stars today. He recently worked with Ariana Grande on the upcoming Meet the Parents sequel Focker In-Law. Stiller praised Grande’s professionalism and comic timing, noting that her experience hosting Saturday Night Live showed just how well she understands comedy.

“She brought a very new sensibility that still fit perfectly within the tone of the movie,” he said.

Most recently, Stiller popped up in a playful Instacart ad campaign alongside singer Benson Boone, with the two portraying competitive brothers singing about grocery delivery preferences.

“That guy is incredible,” Stiller said of Boone. “He just jumped into the improv and had so much fun. He’s insanely talented and totally fearless.”

Even after decades in the spotlight, Stiller’s admiration for creative collaborators — especially legends like Bowie — hasn’t faded. And for fans of Zoolander, that iconic walk-off scene remains proof that sometimes, a perfect cameo can become movie history.