Ben Stiller reveals reason for 4-year split from Christine Taylor: 'Never didn’t want us to be together'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor who have been married since 2000, temporarily separated in 2017 after 17 years together.

However, the couple's story took a hopeful turn during the pandemic when they reconnected and ultimately reconciled.

Ben Stiller says separation was about seeing how much he valued his family

In a candid interview with The New York Times, Ben Stiller shared how their time apart gave him perspective.

“When we separated, it was about having space to see what our relationship was, what my life felt like when we weren’t in that relationship, how much I loved our family unit,” he said.

The couple shares two children, Ella, 22, and Quinlin, 19, and remained committed to co-parenting throughout their separation.

Stiller emphasized that even during their time apart, he never lost sight of his desire to reunite with Taylor. “In my mind, I never didn’t want us to be together,” he explained.

Pandemic brings Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor back together

The Covid-19 pandemic became a turning point for Ben Stiller, 59, and Christine Taylor, 53.

As a precautionary measure, they moved back into the same home to ensure a stable environment for their family. It was not an immediate reconciliation as Stiller recalled that “it was almost a year of living in the same house before we were actually together again.”

Christine Taylor reflected on this period during an appearance on 'The Drew Barrymore Show' in March 2023. She acknowledged that their separation was not a decision taken lightly but was necessary for their personal growth.

“We were at an impasse, figuring out what was best for each other at that chapter in our lives,” she said.

Ben Stiller on personal growth and renewed commitment

Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor have highlighted how their time apart allowed them to grow as individuals.

“I feel like we have these growth spurts even as adults. That time apart helped us figure out who we are,” Taylor noted.

Meanwhile, Stiller said, “There’s nothing like that moment when you come back. You have so much more appreciation for what you have because we know we could not have it."

In 2022, Stiller publicly confirmed their reconciliation in an Esquire interview, calling it an “unexpected” yet “wonderful” outcome of the pandemic.

The couple credits their shared history and deep connection for helping them navigate life’s challenges. Taylor, too, has emphasized the importance of their bond.

“We have a history together that brings a sense of comfort and freedom,” she said, according to People.