Adam Sandler is the guy who made being awkward, goofy, and downright ridiculous not just funny, but wildly successful. You might remember him from Saturday Night Live as that guy who could somehow make you laugh with songs that sounded like they were made up on the spot by a five-year-old. Or maybe you know him from one of his many classic movies, where he plays the lovable idiot who somehow always saves the day—or at least makes you laugh until your sides hurt.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Hampshire, Adam Sandler was a natural class clown who, at the age of 17, took his act to the stage at a Boston comedy club. From that moment on, it was clear that this guy was going places—specifically, to places that involved a lot of people laughing at him. He moved on to earn his B.F.A. from NYU, and soon after found himself in a recurring role on The Cosby Show as Theo Huxtable’s buddy, Smitty.
But it wasn’t until Saturday Night Live came calling in 1990 that Adam’s career truly took off. He started as a writer and quickly became a cast member, bringing the world characters like Canteen Boy and Opera Man—two of the most wonderfully annoying characters to ever grace the SNL stage. You either loved them, or you wanted to punch them (or maybe a little bit of both). Sandler’s shtick was simple: act like a hyperactive kid, sing stupid songs, and somehow, against all odds, it worked. His infamous “Hanukkah Song” is a prime example, as he hilariously reminded everyone which celebrities are Jewish (and lit the menorah, too).
In 1995, Sandler made the leap from TV to the big screen, and Generation X never looked back. His first starring role in Billy Madison brought his signature “class moron” persona to life—a guy so clueless, you couldn’t help but root for him. This was followed by a string of hits, including Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, and Big Daddy. By the end of the 90s, Sandler had cemented his place as a comedy king, loved by audiences and—well, let’s just say tolerated by critics.
The secret to Sandler’s success? It’s not rocket science. He’s the guy who takes what we all thought were throwaway jokes and turns them into something unforgettable. Sure, he might not be winning any Oscars (though he did come close with Uncut Gems), but he’s the master of making you laugh at the most ridiculous things, whether it’s singing about lunch ladies or getting into absurd golf brawls with Bob Barker.
Sandler’s movies may have evolved over the years, but the essence of his comedy hasn’t changed. He’s still the goofy guy who makes us laugh by doing the stupidest things, whether he’s taking us on a journey back to middle school or making up another silly song. And guess what? We’re still here for it.
So, if you’re ever feeling down, just throw on one of Adam Sandler’s movies. You might find yourself laughing at a guy with a baby voice complaining about cafeteria food, but hey—laughter is the best medicine, right?
