Comedian and actress Anne Meara dies at 85

Anne Meara, the loopy, lovable comedian who launched a standup career with husband Jerry Stiller in the 1950s and found success as an actress in films, on TV and on the stage, has died. Meara was also the mother of movie star Ben Stiller. The family released a statement, describing Jerry Stiller as Meara’s “husband and partner in life.” “The two were married for 61 years and worked together almost as long,” the statement said.

She seemed to sense I had no money, so she just ordered coffee. Then she took all the silverware. I picked up her check for 10 cents and thought, ‘This is a girl I’d like to hang out with.’

Jerry Stiller, recalling his first date with Anne Meara

As Stiller and Meara, the two appeared in comedy routines that joked about married life and their respective ethnic backgrounds. They logged 36 appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and were a successful team in Las Vegas, major nightclubs, on records and in commercials. Meara also appeared in dozens of films and TV shows, and had a recurring role on CBS’ “Murphy Brown” and on HBO’s “Sex and the City." In addition to her husband and son, Meara is survived by her daughter, Amy, and several grandchildren.

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