Miles Teller Reflects on His Grandfather’s Influence as He Portrays a Loving Husband in Eternity

Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen in ‘Eternity’.
Credit:

Leah Gallo/A24

Need to Know

• Miles Teller’s grandfather influenced his performance as a devoted husband in Eternity
• Teller discussed how living with his grandparents, including his late grandfather, shaped his portrayal of Larry in the film
• Eternity explores an afterlife love triangle among three characters played by Teller, Elizabeth Olsen, and Callum Turner

Miles Teller has acknowledged the significant role his grandparents played in shaping both his life and his acting career. In his latest romantic comedy, Eternity, Teller takes on the role of Larry, a man who fights for his long-time wife, Joan (Elizabeth Olsen), in the afterlife when she reunites with her first love, Luke (Callum Turner).

At the film’s New York City premiere on November 8, Teller, 38, shared insights with PEOPLE about how his late grandfather influenced his portrayal of a devoted husband.

When asked how attending the premiere with his wife Keleigh and grandmother Leona Flowers impacted his performance, Teller remarked that both grandparents had been staying with him in California prior to filming last year. This preparation was pivotal, especially since his grandfather passed away months later.

“It was really nice to just … I don’t know, observe them,” Teller reflected, expressing a deep bond with his grandparents.

Miles Teller with his grandmother, Leona Flowers, at the N.Y.C. premiere of ‘Eternity’ on Nov. 8, 2025.

Michael Loccisano/Getty

“They’re so in love,” he said of his grandparents, highlighting the profound bond they’ve shared over the years. Teller noted, “Oftentimes when people have been married that long, when one goes, the other usually follows soon after. It’s like a broken heart kind of thing. So I just think it’s really special.”

Teller also expressed pride in his family’s legacy, stating, “I come from a long line of great men, and so I’m proud to represent that.”

Additionally, Teller shared how his wife, Keleigh, has inspired his performance as Larry. “My wife, yeah, she’s the best, man,” he said, reflecting on their wedding in 2019 and their shared vision of everlasting love. “When we said ‘I do’ to each other, we very much envisioned, you know, being with each other, forever, for eternity.”

Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller and Callum Turner in a scene from ‘Eternity’.

Leah Gallo/A24

“She really grounds everything in my life in such a beautiful way,” he added, describing Keleigh as “incredibly pure-hearted.”

Teller previously discussed the appeal of portraying “ordinary love” in Eternity during its premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. “I love an ordinary love, you know?” he remarked, emphasizing the values instilled in him by the men in his life who devoted themselves to their partners’ happiness.

“I thought this film was a beautiful way to take a peek behind the curtain at people you pass in the grocery store,” he said. “Those who have stuck it out really affected me greatly when I read the script.”

Miles Teller and Elizabeth Olsen in ‘Eternity’.

Leah Gallo/A24

Set against a backdrop where the recently deceased navigate an afterlife destination, Eternity presents a complex love story. The film tells the story of Larry and Joan as they confront the reality that Joan still harbors feelings for her first husband, Luke, who has been waiting for her in limbo for 67 years.

The film is currently showing in theaters.