Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande took part in a candid discussion for Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors series, sharing vulnerable insights into their creative processes and reflecting on deeply personal moments from their recent projects. The Adam Sandler interview highlights reveal how both stars are venturing outside their established personas, with Sandler making an emotional dramatic turn in Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly and Grande undertaking the complex role of Glinda in Wicked: For Good.
Stepping Into New Roles That Challenge Expectations
In recent years, Adam Sandler has evolved far beyond his earlier reputation as a comedic fixture in films like Big Daddy, The Waterboy, and Happy Gilmore. Now, with critically acclaimed work in movies such as Uncut Gems and the upcoming Jay Kelly, Sandler demonstrates a readiness to embrace risk and emotional depth. Meanwhile, Ariana Grande, long celebrated for her chart-topping music and comedic appearances (notably on Saturday Night Live), makes her dramatic debut as Glinda in the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon Wicked, acting opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba.
Both stars reflected on what it means to break away from the expectations that audiences, and even they themselves, have held for years. Sandler takes on Ron Sukenick in Jay Kelly—the committed manager to the film’s star, played by George Clooney—marking a significant departure from his slapstick roots. Grande, meanwhile, finds herself in the intense, emotionally demanding world of Wicked: For Good, challenging herself to portray Glinda’s internal struggles with fresh vulnerability and nuance.
Sharing Personal Reactions and Insights From Set
During their conversation, both actors spoke in depth about the emotional reactions their performances evoked. Ariana Grande confessed to Sandler,
“I’ve grown up worshiping all your movies.”
She went on to describe watching Sandler in Jay Kelly, telling him his character was “heartbreaking” and commenting on the depth of emotion she experienced in key scenes, especially one shot at a train station featuring Sandler and Laura Dern. Grande’s candor highlighted the powerful effect of layered performances on even the most seasoned performers.
The discussion then traced back to the duo’s comedic roots, with Grande enthusiastically reminiscing about dressing up as Bobby Boucher from The Waterboy—a role Sandler holds close, describing the part as a vessel for both comedy and deep emotional resonance. This crossover between laughter and vulnerability became a recurring theme as they explored moments of preparation for heavy scenes and the physical intensity sometimes required for their roles.
Behind the Scenes: Emotional Preparation and Technique
Adam Sandler gave viewers insight into his process for approaching emotionally charged roles. He shared that while he was primarily drawn to comedy, he always aspired to include drama in his career:
I would like to get a few dramas in there.
Sandler emphasized the importance of doing his homework by thoroughly documenting his character’s motivations, history, and anxieties, using methods he honed while studying acting at NYU’s Strasberg Institute, balanced with his experiences as a stand-up comedian.
Ariana Grande described the rigor required for her transformation into Glinda, citing her teacher, Nancy Banks, for helping her find the emotional triggers necessary to portray pain authentically without drawing too much from her personal experiences. Grande remarked that maintaining emotional distance was essential in order to protect herself from the heaviness of the material, especially given the closeness between her own life and Glinda’s journey. Both actors openly discussed the challenges of repeating intense emotional moments through multiple takes, with Sandler expressing a desire to meet the expectations of both director Noah Baumbach and his colleagues on set.
The Power of Collaboration With Industry Veterans
Throughout the interview, both Grande and Sandler celebrated the influence of sharing scenes with industry giants. Grande praised Jeff Goldblum, who played the Wizard in Wicked: For Good, noting his fluid movement in and out of character between takes—a quality Sandler compared with Dustin Hoffman’s habit of easing into scenes through in-character conversation prior to filming.
Sandler also recounted his experience learning from George Clooney, whose focused approach before each take was both motivating and formative. Their rehearsal process brought a real mutual respect to their on-screen dynamic as Ron Sukenick and the film’s title character, making the emotional stakes of Jay Kelly feel authentic and heightened.
Revisiting Iconic Roles: Comedy, Drama, and Nostalgia
A significant portion of their dialogue celebrated their shared love of memorable screen characters. Grande revealed just how much the character of Bobby Boucher moved her: she connects with the vulnerability, humor, and outsider status that Sandler brought to the role in The Waterboy. Sandler in turn shared how much he enjoys hearing about fans’ emotional responses to the film, especially when it comes from another accomplished performer.
The subject of physical comedy and the occupational hazards of acting also surfaced with anecdotes about injuries on set. Sandler remembered taking “massive bruises” during a staged fight with Ben Stiller while filming The Meyerowitz Stories. Grande shared similar tales about working with Stiller on “Focker-in-Law,” humorously recalling an accidental bruise she sustained:
“I was the one perpetuating it. It was totally my fault.”
Sandler reflected on the adrenaline required to push past physical discomfort when lost in the intensity of a scene.
Pushing Past the Limits: Emotional Truth in Performance
Grande and Sandler turned the conversation back to the emotional impact of their respective performances. Grande described the challenge of crying on cue, especially in the climactic moments of Wicked: For Good. Sandler expressed admiration for how fully Grande inhabited Glinda, telling her that she was
“100% Glinda the Good Witch. It was never Ariana.”
Their mutual support and admiration underscored the demanding artistry behind making larger-than-life characters feel real and relatable.
Sandler also spoke of the importance of authenticity in acting: he said he doesn’t want to let his fellow crew members down by missing an emotional note, especially after being deeply moved by a script. Sharing that
“I got so excited reading Noah’s script, and about these certain scenes,”
Sandler’s reflections revealed a passion for bringing scripts to life with sincerity.
Managing Legacy and New Challenges
Grande asked Sandler about the transition from being an audience favorite in broad comedies to taking on dramatic work, and how those skills inform each other. Sandler responded by noting that his years of experience in both genres have been complementary: the vulnerability and truth required for successful comedy translates well into drama, and vice versa. He also discussed how his children and family enjoy both his dramatic and comedic performances, such as recent family screenings of Wicked: For Good at home in their media room.
Their conversation covered the evolution of theatrical adaptations, with Sandler reminiscing about experiencing Wicked on stage in various cities and reflecting on the new emotional layers introduced in the film. Both agreed that the cinema version offers opportunities for deeper character study; for Sandler, the Tin Man’s journey was notably more tragic due to the use of sound and visuals not possible in live performance.
Relationships With Fellow Artists and Directors
The interview addressed the dynamic of working with legendary actors and experienced directors. Beyond George Clooney and Jeff Goldblum, names like Cynthia Erivo, Laura Dern, Robert De Niro, and John Hamburg were discussed. Grande and Sandler shared mutual respect for their collaborators’ talent and professionalism, highlighting the learning that occurs when artists of different backgrounds and approaches unite.
Ben Stiller emerged as a recurring figure in both their careers. Sandler joked about Stiller’s intensity on set and off, at one point remarking:
What’s he mad at this time?
His affection for Stiller was clear, however, as he added,
“Really, he’s a gentleman. I love him more than anything.”
Grande also appreciated Stiller’s ability to balance acting with directorial instincts, observing how rewarding it can be to see him break out of character with laughter during filming.
Personal Touches: Family, Pets, and Everyday Life
As the conversation softened, both stars reminisced about their home lives and the comfort of family routines. Sandler spoke of watching football in his home’s media room, only to switch to a family viewing of Wicked: For Good and discuss the film’s themes and performances with his children and wife.
The subject turned playful as they began joking about pets. Sandler recounted waking up to his dog’s expression of impatience, saying:
It’s 9:30 a.m. I haven’t been out yet. What’s the matter with you man?
Grande responded with the belief that animals do communicate in their own ways, echoing Sandler’s sentiment:
Didn’t you hear what I said?
This lighter exchange highlighted their shared humor and groundedness, as well as an appreciation for small pleasures and everyday interactions.
Looking Ahead: What These Roles Mean for Sandler and Grande
With new projects on the horizon like the dramatic Jay Kelly and the final installment of Wicked: For Good, both Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande appear to be embracing opportunities to further stretch their capabilities and touch audiences in new ways. The Adam Sandler interview highlights reveal a comedian willing to explore emotional vulnerability, and a pop diva transforming into a serious actress while retaining her signature openness and zest.
As Adam Sandler and Ariana Grande continue their respective journeys, the mutual respect and insight displayed in their conversation signals not only personal growth but also a creative evolution that promises even bolder performances to come. Their discussion, filled with warmth, passion, and enthusiasm for the craft, reminds audiences of the emotional richness and complexity at the heart of comedy, drama, and everything in between.
