Ben Stiller is famous for many memorable roles in Hollywood, none more so than that of male model Derek Zoolander in the “Zoolander” movies — and the 59-year-old star put the skills he learned as the character to good use on the Emmys 2025 red carpet.
Stiller was being interviewed by “Extra” host Mona Kosar Abdi about “Severance” — which received a whopping 27 nominations and won eight — when she invited her new colleague Derek Hough over for a chat.
Former “Dancing with the Stars” professional Hough heaped praise on Stiller and “Severance,” before challenging the A-lister to a “Derek-Off.” Stiller happily obliged.
The “Derek-Off” involved a playful competition between two “Dereks” — Stiller, in character as Derek Zoolander, and Hough — as they both did the iconic “Blue Steel” pose from the “Zoolander” movies.
It was a close, competitive contest, but Stiller edged it when he put on his shades and proclaimed, “This interview is over” in a mic drop moment, prompting Hough to effectively concede defeat to the better man.
Fans React to the ‘Epic’ Derek-off on Instagram
GettyHough posted a clip of the lighthearted showdown on his Instagram account, captioning the video “WHO DID IT BETTER ? Just 2 Derek’s doing what 2 Derek’s do. I can die happy after this 😂” — and his fans were quick to show their love for his interaction with Stiller (though most believed Stiller won).
Comments included one from a user who wrote, “Ben Stiller did it much better!!❤️,” another from someone who proclaimed, “Sorry Derek, no one does Blue Steel like the original 😂 ❤️❤️❤️,” and another from someone who said, “Haha love Ben Stiller!”
One user simply wrote, “This is the most epic video,” while another similarly said, “Wow this is so epic 🫶🏻.”
Hough himself added an additional comment, saying, “Im a huge Stiller Fan. But Mr. Stiller has just rose to the top of my books for favorite human. 🙌”
‘Severance’ Had a Successful Evening at the Emmys 2025
Getty“Severance’s” eight wins from 27 nominations came in a wide variety of categories.
In the acting categories, Britt Lower won the award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Helly R. in the series, Tramell Tillman walked away with the award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his performance as Seth Milchick, and Merritt Wever won the Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series gong for playing Gretchen George.
The show’s others wins came in the categories for Outstanding Production Design for a Narrative Contemporary Program (One-Hour or More), Outstanding Title Design, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Comedy or Drama Series (One Hour), Outstanding Music Composition for a Series (Original Dramatic Score), and Outstanding Cinematography for a Series (One Hour).
Surely Mr. Stiller — who executive produced and directed on the series — is happy with that impressive haul!
“Severance” is available to watch on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video.
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