Ben Stiller once stole the spotlight in a way few expected during a guest appearance on a gritty '80s crime drama. While some might be quick to label him just another beneficiary of Hollywood nepotism, thanks to being the son of the legendary comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara, Ben’s talent runs far deeper than his family connections. Back in 1987, at just 22 years old, he made a mark on the industry with several small yet unforgettable roles, including in Steven Spielberg’s "Empire of the Sun," a televised adaptation of John Guare's Tony Award-winning play "The House of Blue Leaves," and notably, an electrifying guest spot on "Miami Vice" during its fourth season.
When the episode titled "Amen... Send Money" premiered on NBC on October 2, 1987, "Miami Vice" was grappling with declining Nielsen ratings. Despite the dip in popularity, the show’s quality remained high, far surpassing many of its network television peers in terms of writing, acting, and directing. In fact, top-tier character actors continued to appear, with this particular episode showcasing intense performances by Brian Dennehy and James Tolkan—known for his role as Vice Principal Strickland in "Back to the Future"—as competing, corrupt televangelists. However, the series’ signature style, embodied by the iconic looks of Don Johnson’s Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas's Ricardo Tubbs, had lost some of its original shine. The show was always about more than just style, but by this point, much of the audience had grown weary of the flashy visuals.
This is where Stiller’s guest role became a vital injection of fresh energy. By embracing the show’s pulp fiction roots, "Miami Vice" gave Stiller a platform to shatter the polished exterior of Crockett and Tubbs' world. His presence was a scene-stealer, proving his ability to dominate a moment, even among established leads. For those who don’t realize it, "Miami Vice" played an unexpected part in the creation of "The Golden Girls," showing its wide-reaching cultural influence.
Stiller portrayed the fast-talking con artist Fast Eddie Felcher—an amusing name that might have raised a few eyebrows back then—delivering a standout scene where he tries to outwit the detective duo. But Crockett and Tubbs knew Fast Eddie’s criminal history all too well. They were aware of his brazen land fraud scheme involving the sale of motor home lots in the Gulfstream area, which had landed him 18 months in jail. Now, Eddie had moved on to a new, shady hustle involving swindling religious fanatics. The detectives saw potential in leveraging him to untangle the complicated satellite broadcasting dispute between Dennehy and Tolkan’s crooked televangelist characters.
Stiller’s performance in this episode was nothing short of spectacular, a role that arguably helped launch his later successes on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Ben Stiller Show". While his breakthrough in movies came a bit later, with a lead role in David O. Russell’s hilarious "Flirting with Disaster," it was his starring role in "There's Something About Mary" two years afterward that truly solidified his reputation as a major film star.
Personally, I think Ben Stiller shines brightest when given supporting roles that allow him to deliver a memorable scene and then gracefully exit, rather than bearing the full weight of a lead role. He’s proven his versatility, too—his dramatic talents stood out in the Brat Pack drama "Fresh Horses," challenging any notion that he’s solely a comedic actor.
But here’s the part most people miss: Does Stiller’s early TV work, especially in a show as style-centric as "Miami Vice," reveal something about the tension between substance and style in his career? Was he destined to break through because he brought genuine depth beneath the surface glam? Or do some of you think his rise was mostly about timing and connections? I’d love to hear your thoughts—do you agree or disagree with this take on Ben Stiller’s early career? Join the conversation and let’s debate!
