Ben Stiller and Christine Taylor have announced that they are separating after 18 years together.

The Jewish actor had appeared onscreen together with Ms Taylor in multiple movies, including the hit comedies Zoolander and DodgeBall.

In a joint statement, the actors said: “With tremendous love and respect for each other, and the 18 years we spent together as a couple, we have made the decision to separate,” their statement read.

“Our priority will continue to be raising our children as devoted parents and the closest of friends.”

The couple married in 2000 and have two children, 15 year-old daughter, Ella, and an 11 year-old son, Quinlin.

The 51 year-old Mr Stiller is the son of two comedians and actors, Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Jerry Stiller was born in New York to an immigrant Jewish family. Ms Meara was raised as a Roman Catholic but underwent a reform conversion to Judaism prior to marrying Mr Stiller sr.