Ben Stiller and ex-wife Christine Taylor have done a Bennifer and are back together after separating five years ago following 18 years of marriage.
Speaking to Esquire magazine, Stiller (56) revealed that he moved back in with Taylor (50), who he starred with in Zoolander and Dodgeball, at their former family home during the early months of the pandemic so they could both be there for their children, Ella Olivia (20) and Quinn (17).
"Then, over the course of time, it evolved," Stiller said.. "We were separated and got back together and we're happy about that. It’s been really wonderful for all of us. Unexpected, and one of the things that came out of the pandemic."
Stiller compare the couple's reconciliation to horseback riding.
"A few years ago, I realized I don’t like horseback riding. If there’s an opportunity to go horseback riding, I’m probably not going to do it. Now, I like horses!" he said.
"I think they’re beautiful. I like petting them. I like watching people ride horses, I like watching my kids ride horses. I just don’t really love riding horses. And once you know that it just saves a lot of energy.
"So, yeah, I think we have a respect for the ways that we’re similar and the ways we’re different. And I think accepting that, you can really appreciate someone more because you’re not trying to get them to change for you.
He added, "Once you accept that, you save a lot of energy. 'This is something that works for me; this is something that doesn’t work for me.’
"If you have that trust level with your partner, you know that me saying ‘I don’t like doing that thing’ is not me saying ‘I don’t like you.’"
Stiller and Taylor separated in May 2017. In a joint statement to People, they said: "With tremendous love and respect for each other, and the 18 years we spent together as a couple, we have made the decision to separate.
"Our priority will continue to be raising our children as devoted parents and the closest of friends. We kindly ask that the media respect our privacy at this time."
The couple, who met while filming a never-broadcast TV pilot called Heat Vision and Jack, tied the knot in May 2000 in Hawaii in 2000.
