Ben Stiller struggled to improvise jokes with Chris Rock

The stars usually work in the studio alone, but they decided to have some fun by teaming up to make up dialogue between their animated lion and zebra characters in Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted.

Stiller admits he is in awe of Rock’s comedy timing and talent, although his hilarious off-the-cuff jokes often left the Meet The Parents actor feeling out of his depth as he tried and failed to follow in his funny pal’s footsteps.

He says, “Chris and I got to improvise together a few times and got to go in the booth a few times, ’cause usually you’re by yourself.

“Chris is great. It’s kind of depressing to record with him because he comes up with all of these funny things and my character’s like, ‘Ha ha, yeah…'”