Adam Sandler was born on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, to Judy and Stanley Sandler. At 17 he took his first step towards becoming a stand-up comedian when he spontaneously took the stage at a Boston comedy club. He found he was a natural comic. He nurtured his talent while at New York University (graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1991) by performing regularly in clubs and at universities. During his freshman year he snagged a recurring role as the Huxtable family's friend Smitty on The Cosby Show. While working at a comedy club in L.A., he was "discovered" by Dennis Miller, who recommended him to Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels and told him that Sandler had a big talent. This led to his being cast in the show in 1990, which he also wrote for in addition to performing in. After Saturday Night Live Sandler went on to the movies, starring in such hit comedies as Airheads, Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison and Big Daddy. He has also starred in Mr. Deeds alongside Winona Ryder; Eight Crazy Nights, an animated movie about the Jewish festival of Chanukah; and Punch-Drunk Love. He also writes and produces many of his own films, and has composed songs for several of them, including The Wedding Singer. Sandler has had several of his songs placed on the "Billboard" charts, including the classic "The Chanukah Song".


The Zookeeper (2011): $2,000,000
Born to Be a Star (2010): $2,500,000
Grown Ups (2010): $25,000,000
Anger Management (2003): $25,000,000 against 25% of the gross
Punch-Drunk Love (2002): $7,000,000
Little Nicky (2000): $20,000,000 plus 20% (star)
Big Daddy (1999/I) (2000): $8,000,000
The Wedding Singer (1998): $5,500,000
Bulletproof (1996): $2,500,000
Billy Madison (1995): $1,700,000

Adam's comedy album "Stan and Judy's Kid" set a record for most albums sold by a comedy album in its first week. It debuted at number 16 on the Billboard charts. All three of his previous comedy albums have gone platinum. Grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire. Was originally cast for a role in Very Bad Things (1998). Dated actress Alicia Silverstone. Ranked #35 in Premiere's 2003 annual Power 100 List. Had ranked #43 the previous two years. Started Happy Madison Productions, which is behind most of his films. His beloved dog, Meatball, who also has a section on Adam's official website with photos and videos, passed away due to a heart attack, at 4 years old. He was the son of Mr. Beefy, the talking dog in Little Nicky (2000). Meatball was best "man" at Sandler's wedding and was dressed in a tux, with a yarmulka on his head. [January 27 2004]. He is a huge fan of Van Halen and Styx. There is usually a reference or song in his movies. Shares a birthday with Hugh Grant. Performed at the RNC (Republican National Committee) convention in 2004. Spoke at Manchester Central High School's 2003 Graduation, the same school he graduated from. His nephew was one of three Valedictorians that year. Has starred alongside Drew Barrymore in two movies: The Wedding Singer (1998) and 50 First Dates (2004). Was considered for the role of "Willy Wonka" in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005). Ranked #24 on Premiere's 2006 "Power 50" list. Had ranked #24 in 2005 as well. Owns a white and tan English bulldog named Motzaball. Is a fan of professional wrestling, and most of his self-written films have references to professional wrestling in them (the principal in Billy Madison (1995), Captain Insano in The Waterboy (1998), Chief Jay Strongbow's sleeper hold in Big Daddy (1999/I), mind-wrestling and 'Tommy 'Tiny' Lister' - a.k.a. the WWF's Zeus - in Little Nicky (2000), etc). Sandler even appeared on "WWF SmackDown!" (1999) to promote Little Nicky (2000). Kevin Nash, Bill Goldberg, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin; all professional wrestlers, appeared in Adam's recent film, The Longest Yard (2005). Wrestler/producer Anthony Begonia almost appeared in 50 First Dates (2004) as an ukulele player. Resides in New York City and Los Angeles. In 2007, Forbes Magazine estimated his earnings for the year at $30 million. Children: (with Jackie Sandler) Sadie Madison Sandler (b. May 6, 2006 in Los Angeles, California) and Sunny Madeline Sandler (b. November 2, 2008). Lives in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, La Quinta, California and Highland Beach, Florida.