Biography - Adam Sandler

In recent years Adam Sandler has eclipsed Jim Carrey as America’s favorite goofball comic, and has starred in a remarkable seven films that have grossed over $100 million in the U.S. – all in less than ten years. Sandler has branched out to more dramatic roles as well, with surprising success. His latest is “Reign Over Me,” a drama co-starring Don Cheadle, Jada Pinkett Smith, Liv Tyler, and Donald Sutherland.

Sandler started sharing his comedic gifts in the mid-80s, playing the goofy Smitty for a few episodes on “The Cosby Show” and frequently appearing on MTV’s memorable game show-comedy hybrid “Remote Control.” Born in Brooklyn on September 9, 1966, Sandler appeared on these programs (in addition to frequent stand-up performances) while attending New York University. After seeing Sandler perform on stage in L.A. in 1990, famed comic Dennis Miller saw enormous potential in the fresh-faced comedian and recommended him to “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels, who quickly hired him as a writer and performer. He soon became one of the most popular cast members in the show’s history, crafting memorable characters like ‘Lucy Brawn’ and the ‘Herlihy Boy.’ His hilarious songs, including the legendary “Chanukah Song,” led to a best-selling comedy CD.

Major movie stardom was around the corner for Sandler when he left “SNL” in 1995 to focus on film roles. His first star features, “Bill Madison” and “Happy Gilmore,” were both modest hits that have since become comedy classics. Sandler getting beat up by Bob Barker to the tune of ‘The Price is Wrong, Bitch!’ was a singular turning point in his popularity. His co-starring turn with Drew Barrymore in 1998’s “The Wedding Singer” doubled the box office success of his previous offerings, and he joined the A-list after “The Waterboy” became a surprise blockbuster. 1999’s “Big Daddy” did just as well, though in 2000 Sandler found himself with his first dud, the big-budget misfire “Little Nicky.”

2002 was a mini-revival for Sandler – he starred in Paul Thomas Anderson’s weirdly touching screwball romance “Punch-Drunk Love” and in the comedy hit “Mr. Deeds.” The former earned him dramatic respect from a new legion of fans, while “Mr. Deeds” was a much-needed return to form for his comedies. A seemingly odd mash-up with Jack Nicholson in “Anger Management” followed, and was a surprise hit for the superstar pair. Since then he has headlined three more mega-hit comedies – a reunion with Drew Barrymore for “50 First Dates,” a remake of the football classic “The Longest Yard,” and the sci-fi infused “Click” with Kate Beckinsale. After “Reign Over Me,” Sandler will star with “King of Queens” and “Hitch” comic Kevin James in “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry,” a comedy about two male firefighters who pretend to be a couple for tax benefits.