Adam Sandler Bio
Adam Richard Sandler (born September 9, 1966) is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and singer-songwriter. Primarily a comedic leading actor in films, his accolades include an Independent Spirit Award, alongside nominations for three Grammy Awards, seven Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2023, Sandler was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Sandler was a cast member on the NBC sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1995. He returned to Saturday Night Live as a host in 2019 earning a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Sandler gained further stardom starring in a string of successful Hollywood studio comedy films that have cumulatively grossed over $2 billion worldwide. These films include Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), The Wedding Singer (1998), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), and Uncut Gems (2019).
Early Life and Background
Adam Richard Sandler was born in Brooklyn, New York City, on September 9, 1966, to Judith “Judy” (née Levine), a nursery school teacher, and Stanley Sandler, an electrical engineer. He has three older siblings, Scott, Elizabeth, and Valerie. His family is Jewish and descends from Russian Jewish immigrants on both sides. Sandler grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire, after his family moved there when he was six years old. He attended Manchester Central High School. As a teen, Sandler was involved in BBYO, a Jewish youth group. He graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts in 1988 with a bachelor’s degree in acting.
Path to Hollywood
In 1987, Adam Sandler played Theo Huxtable’s friend Smitty on The Cosby Show and the Stud Boy or Trivia Delinquent on the MTV game show Remote Control. After his film debut in Going Overboard in 1989, Sandler performed in comedy clubs, having first taken the stage at his brother’s urging when he was 17. He was discovered by comedian Dennis Miller, who caught Sandler’s act in Los Angeles and recommended him to Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels. Sandler was hired as a writer for SNL in 1990 and became a featured player the following year. He made a name for himself by performing amusing original songs on the show, including “The Thanksgiving Song” and “The Chanukah Song.” In 1993, Adam Sandler appeared in the film Coneheads with fellow SNL performers. In 1994, he co-starred in Airheads with Brendan Fraser and Steve Buscemi.
Adam Sandler Career
Early Career (1987–1994)
Adam Sandler starred in Billy Madison (1995), playing a grown man repeating grades 1–12 to earn back his father’s respect and the right to inherit his father’s multimillion-dollar hotel empire. The film was successful at the box office despite negative reviews. He followed this film with Bulletproof (1996), and the financially successful comedies Happy Gilmore (1996) and The Wedding Singer (1998), his first collaboration with Drew Barrymore. Sandler continued making successful comedy films including Big Daddy (1999), Mr. Deeds (2002), Anger Management (2003), and 50 First Dates (2004), his second collaboration with Drew Barrymore. He also formed his film production company, Happy Madison Productions, in 1999.
Breakthrough (1995–2014)
Although his earlier commercially successful films did not receive favorable critical attention, Sandler started to receive more positive reviews beginning with his more dramatic role in Punch-Drunk Love in 2002. The film marked the beginning of Sandler moving outside the genre of slapstick comedy to take on more serious roles, such as Mike Binder’s Reign Over Me (2007), a drama about a man who loses his entire family in the September 11 attacks. Sandler starred alongside friend Kevin James in the film I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007), and headlined You Don’t Mess with the Zohan (2008). In 2019, Sandler starred in the crime thriller Uncut Gems, directed by the Safdie brothers. The movie and Sandler’s acting received critical acclaim and many end-of-year awards from critics, who noted this role as a career best for Sandler, for which he earned the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.
Notable Works and Milestones
Adam Sandler’s signature works include Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and Uncut Gems. His accolades include an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023.
Adam Sandler Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Adam Sandler has received numerous nominations, including three Grammy Awards, seven Primetime Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Adam Sandler Awards Won
Adam Sandler has won several prestigious awards, including the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023.
Adam Sandler Family
Adam Sandler has been married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler (née Titone) since 2003. The couple has two daughters, Sadie (born May 2006) and Sunny (born November 2008). Sandler’s wife and children often appear in his films.
Personal Life
Adam Sandler is known for his love of basketball and often seeks out pick-up games when traveling. He has suffered injuries while playing but continues to enjoy the sport. In 2007, Sandler made a $1 million donation to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Manchester, New Hampshire.
