Ben Stiller, 42, was born into comedy - his parents are comedians and actors Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara - and he cracks us up with movies including Zoolander and Meet the Parents, but who makes the Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa star laugh? The actor, writer and director - who has children Ella, 6, and Quinlin, 3, with his wife of eight years, actress Christine Taylor, 37 - talks about getting big laughs from small people.

How do you feel about promoting your movies?
The print interviews are always strange because people can be nice and then you're reading it and you go, "Wait. I didn't say that!" I tend not to read it so you can write anything you'd like about me.

Were you nervous about your children voicing small roles in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa?
They lasted about two minutes and they were not into it anymore, then they started crying, which we used. Because it was just voices I was fine with it.

Do your kids have the comedy gene like you?
You grow up around the stuff and there is no way it's not going to be a part of who you are. I grew up in New York and my parents were always hanging out with actors and funny people. If they enjoy that I am all for it, but if my daughter wants to go off and be a philosopher or something I'd be excited. She already is! She is a little smart person who is very observant and will call you on something you do.

What about your son?
He's pretty funny and a very different personality but he's really into his sister. He's sort of her sidekick. They are a funny pair.

Do you want more kids or is two enough?
I don't know. Two is a good number. That's what I grew up with - my sister [actress and comedian Amy Stiller] and I - so I am comfortable with that. [Christine] has a brother so we are the same.

How did fatherhood change you?
How doesn't it change you? To be a good parent you have to be happy as a person but also have to be aware of the family's needs, so it's about balancing that. You get outside of yourself and your priorities are somebody else and that's healthy.

Who in the world makes you laugh the hardest?
My kids are really funny and as a family, the four of us, we really laugh a lot. They have their own tempo and energy and dancing and moves and you are like, "Where did that come from?" You realise we are all born with these personalities.

What are your unfulfilled dreams?
I'd like to travel a lot. I look forward to when my kids are a few years older, going on safaris and stuff like that. I'm waiting for them to get old enough!

Photo: Getty