Adam Sandler facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Adam Sandler
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![]() Sandler in 2024
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Born |
Adam Richard Sandler
September 9, 1966 New York City, U.S.
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Alma mater | New York University (BFA) |
Occupation |
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Years active | 1987–present |
Works
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Filmography |
Spouse(s) |
Jackie Titone
(m. 2003) |
Children | 2, including Sunny Sandler |
Relatives | Tyler Spindel (nephew) Joseph H. Titone (father-in-law) |
Awards | Full list |
Comedy career | |
Medium |
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Genres |
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Subject(s) | |
Adam Richard Sandler (born September 9, 1966) is a famous American comedian and actor. He is best known for starring in many popular comedy movies. For his work, he has won several awards, including an Independent Spirit Award. In 2023, Sandler received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a very important award for people who make others laugh.
From 1990 to 1995, Sandler was a star on the comedy TV show Saturday Night Live. After leaving the show, he starred in many hit movies that have been seen by people all over the world. His movies have earned more than $2 billion in total.
Some of Sandler's most famous comedy films include Billy Madison (1995), Happy Gilmore (1996), The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), 50 First Dates (2004), Grown Ups (2010), and Murder Mystery (2019). He also voiced the character Dracula in the Hotel Transylvania animated movies.
Besides comedy, Sandler has also been praised for his acting in more serious, dramatic movies like Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Uncut Gems (2019), and Hustle (2022).
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Early Life
Adam Sandler was born in Brooklyn, New York, on September 9, 1966. His mother, Judith, was a nursery school teacher, and his father, Stanley, was an electrical engineer. His family is Jewish, with roots in Russia.
When Adam was six years old, his family moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, where he grew up. He went to Manchester Central High School. As a teenager, he was part of a Jewish youth group called BBYO. In 1988, he graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in acting.
Career
Getting Started on TV
Sandler's career began in 1987 with a role on the popular TV show The Cosby Show. He also appeared on the MTV game show Remote Control. He started performing stand-up comedy in clubs when he was 17 after his brother encouraged him.
Comedian Dennis Miller saw one of his shows and recommended him to the producer of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a famous live comedy show. In 1990, Sandler was hired as a writer for SNL and became a cast member the next year. He became well-known for performing funny original songs on the show, like "The Thanksgiving Song" and "The Chanukah Song". He left the show in 1995 to focus on his movie career.
Becoming a Movie Star
In 1995, Sandler starred in Billy Madison. In the movie, he played a grown man who has to repeat all 12 grades of school to earn his father's respect. The movie was a box office success and made him a star.
He followed this with other hit comedies like Happy Gilmore (1996) and The Wedding Singer (1998), where he starred with Drew Barrymore for the first time. He also starred in The Waterboy (1998), which was one of his biggest early hits.
In 1999, Sandler started his own movie production company called Happy Madison Productions. The company is named after his movies Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison. Happy Madison has produced most of Sandler's movies since then, as well as films for other comedians.
Throughout the 2000s, he starred in many more successful comedies, including Big Daddy (1999), Mr. Deeds (2002), 50 First Dates (2004), and Click (2006).
Trying New Things: Serious Roles
While he was famous for his comedies, Sandler also wanted to try more serious acting roles. In 2002, he starred in the movie Punch-Drunk Love. Critics praised his performance, saying it showed a different side of his acting talent. He was even nominated for a Golden Globe Award.
He continued to take on dramatic roles in films like Reign Over Me (2007). In this movie, he played a man whose family was lost in the September 11 attacks. These roles proved that he could be both a funny and a serious actor.
He also made his first family film with Disney called Bedtime Stories in 2008. In 2009, he starred in Funny People, a comedy-drama about a famous comedian who gets sick.
A New Chapter with Netflix
In 2014, Sandler signed a major deal to make movies exclusively for Netflix, a popular streaming service. This meant that his new movies would be released directly online for people to watch at home.
His first original film for Netflix was The Ridiculous 6. He followed it with other Netflix movies like The Do-Over and Sandy Wexler. In 2017, he received great reviews for his role in the family drama The Meyerowitz Stories, where he acted alongside Ben Stiller and Dustin Hoffman.
In 2019, he starred with Jennifer Aniston in the Netflix movie Murder Mystery. The film was a huge success and broke records for the most-watched movie on Netflix in its opening weekend. A sequel, Murder Mystery 2, was released in 2023.
Also in 2019, Sandler starred in the crime thriller Uncut Gems. His performance was highly praised by critics, and many called it the best of his career. He won the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for his role.
He continued to make popular movies for Netflix, including Hubie Halloween (2020) and the animated musical Leo (2023). In 2022, he starred in the sports drama Hustle, which also received excellent reviews.
Personal Life
Since 2003, Sandler has been married to Jacqueline "Jackie" Sandler. The couple has two daughters, Sadie (born in 2006) and Sunny (born in 2008). His wife and children often appear in small roles in his movies.
Sandler is a big fan of basketball and is known for playing in pick-up games wherever he travels. He is also known for his charity work. In 2007, he donated $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in his hometown of Manchester, New Hampshire.
While he doesn't often talk about politics, Sandler has supported different political figures in the past.
Music Career
Besides acting, Adam Sandler has also had a successful music career. He has released several comedy albums that include funny songs and skits from his stand-up shows. His albums include They're All Gonna Laugh at You! (1993) and What the Hell Happened to Me? (1996).
He is especially famous for his holiday songs, which he first performed on Saturday Night Live. "The Thanksgiving Song" and "The Chanukah Song" are two of his most popular songs and are still enjoyed by fans every year.
Filmography and Awards
Adam Sandler has starred in dozens of movies and has received many awards for his work. He has won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, six MTV Movie & TV Awards, and nine People's Choice Awards. He has also been nominated for many other important awards throughout his career.
See Also
In Spanish: Adam Sandler para niños