Birthdate: September 9, 1966
Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York
Adam Sandler first charmed audiences on the adult comedy show Saturday Night Live with his goofy characters and catchy, hilarious tunes like The Chanukah Song. SNL fame led to smart-stupid movie roles like Billy Madison and Happy Gilmore and later to romantic comedies with Drew Barrymore like The Wedding Singer and 50 First Dates. This summer Adam stars in director Judd Apatow’s first shot at a semi-serious film—but don’t worry, Adam still brings the funny to Funny People.
Junior Joke Teller
Adam knew he wanted to be a comedian from an early age, but his talent needed nurturing, so while he studied at New York University Adam also performed in nearby clubs. Eventually Adam found his comedic voice and moved his routine to the small screen when he played a supporting role on The Cosby Show. By 1990 he was writing for Saturday Night Live and became a regular cast member the following year.
Silly Singer
Back in 1993, Adam combined his love for guitar with his penchant for gibberish to produce one of the funniest albums ever released by an SNL alum. They’re All Gonna Laugh At You featured Adam’s comedian buddy, the SNL writer and now Tonight Show host, Conan O’Brien and was nominated for Best Comedy Album at the 1993 Grammy Awards. It was later certified double platinum and led to Adam recording four other hugely successful comedy records.
Funny People
In the new Judd Apatow movie, Funny People, Adam plays a famous comedian who’s traded in his edgy standup comedy and a wife and kids for lame movie roles and a comfortable bachelor life. It’s only when he’s diagnosed with a life-threatening disease that he starts to re-evaluate his life and tries to reconnect with his ex-fiancé. Funny People is a bit heavy at times so you might want to stick to some of Adam’s lighter movies like Click or Bedtime Stories.
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