Biography
Adam Sandler, born Adam Richard Sandler on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, was raised in a Jewish family in New Hampshire and displayed comedic talent from a young age. Encouraged by his brother at 17, he performed his first stand-up at a Boston comedy club, later honing his skills while attending New York University. His early career included appearances on The Cosby Show in 1987 and MTV's Remote Control, followed by his film debut in Going Overboard (1989).[1][2][3][6]
Sandler's breakthrough came via Saturday Night Live (SNL), where comedian Dennis Miller recommended him to producer Lorne Michaels; hired as a writer in 1990, he became a cast member in 1991, creating iconic characters like Opera Man, Canteen Boy, and Cajun Man, alongside musical sketches such as 'The Chanukah Song' and 'Lunchlady Land.' Fired in 1995 amid low ratings, he transitioned to films like Billy Madison (1995) and Happy Gilmore (1996), while launching a music career with comedy albums starting with the Grammy-nominated They're All Gonna Laugh at You! (1993), featuring parody songs and sketches in a lowbrow, juvenile style that appealed to young audiences. His musical output includes eight albums like What the Hell Happened to Me? (1996) and Shhh... Don't Tell (2004).[1][2][3][5][6]
Sandler's legacy blends broad comedy films grossing over $2 billion, stand-up specials like 100% Fresh (2018), and musical parody, earning accolades including the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, three Grammy nominations, and Emmy nods, cementing his influence in entertainment despite mixed critical reception for his humor.[2][3]
Fun Facts
- Sandler was fired from SNL in 1995 along with Chris Farley due to low ratings and cast clashes, but returned as host in 2019, earning an Emmy nomination.[2][3]
- His debut comedy album They're All Gonna Laugh at You! (1993) was Grammy-nominated and featured offensive parody songs that expanded his young fanbase.[5][6]
- Sandler spontaneously took the stage for his first stand-up at age 17 in a Boston comedy club, urged by his brother.[1][4][6]
- He created lowbrow SNL characters like Opera Man, who riffed on headlines in mock opera, and released eight chart-topping comedy albums.[1][3]
Associated Acts
- Saturday Night Live (1990–1995)
- The Goat Band - lead vocals
- The Goat Band - guitar
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Dennis Miller - Comedian who discovered Sandler during a Los Angeles stand-up performance and recommended him to SNL producer Lorne Michaels (Led to SNL hiring in 1990) [Late 1980s-1990]
- Lorne Michaels - SNL producer who hired Sandler as a writer and performer based on Miller's recommendation (Saturday Night Live (1990-1995)) [1990-1995]
Key Collaborators
- Chris Farley - Fellow SNL cast member and close friend (SNL sketches; Sandler hosted SNL in 2019 with tribute to Farley) [1990s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Eight Crazy Nights (Original Movie Soundtrack) | 2002-11-27 | Album |
| 100% Fresh | 2019-03-22 | Album |
| What the Hell Happened to Me? | 1996-02-09 | Album |
| What's Your Name? | 1997-09-05 | Album |
| Stan and Judy's Kid | 1999-09-10 | Album |
| Love You | 2024-08-28 | Album |
| What's Your Name? | 1997-09-05 | Album |
| What the Hell Happened to Me? | 1996-02-09 | Album |
| Every Song! | 2014-11-13 | Album |
| Shhh...Don't Tell | 2004-07-13 | Album |
| Stan and Judy's Kid | 1999 | Album |
| They're All Gonna Laugh at You! | 1993-09-24 | Album |
| They're All Gonna Laugh at You! | 1993-09-24 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Bum Biddy (with Alison Krauss, Lainie Kazan, Rob Schneider, Jon Lovitz, John Farley, Chance Langton & Jason Housman feat. Singing Townspeople) (Eight Crazy Nights (Original Movie Soundtrack))
- Somebody Kill Me
- Grow Old with You
- Ode to My Car (What the Hell Happened to Me?)
- The Chanukah Song (What the Hell Happened to Me?)
- Phone Wallet Keys (100% Fresh)
- Grow Old With You (100% Fresh)
- Farley (100% Fresh)
- Phone Wallet Keys - Single Version (Phone Wallet Keys)
- Technical Foul (Eight Crazy Nights (Original Movie Soundtrack))
External Links
Tags: #comedy, #saturday-night-live
References
Heard on WWOZ
Adam Sandler has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 20, 2025 | 08:48 | The Chanukah Song | Traditional Jazzw/ Big Pete |