History of Adam Sandler in Timeline
Adam Richard Sandler is an American actor and comedian known for his work as a comedic leading actor in films. He has received nominations for several prestigious awards, including three Grammy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. In 2023, Sandler was honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
1999: "The Peeper" Flash Cartoon Success
A flash cartoon adaptation of Adam Sandler's "The Peeper" was released online as a promotional tool for the film "Stan and Judy's Kid" during Labor Day weekend in 1999. The cartoon became a viral hit, garnering over a million views and making it one of the internet's most-watched video clips at the time.
2003: Marriage to Jacqueline Titone
Adam Sandler married Jacqueline "Jackie" Titone in 2003. Jackie converted to Judaism following their marriage. Sandler often casts his wife and daughters in his films. His nephew, Jared, has also appeared in films like "Pixels" and "Home Team."
2004: Performance at Republican National Convention
Adam Sandler performed at the 2004 Republican National Convention, suggesting his political leanings.
May 2006: Birth of Daughter Sadie
Adam Sandler and his wife, Jackie, welcomed their first child, daughter Sadie, in May 2006.
2007: Donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Demonstrating his philanthropy, Adam Sandler made a significant donation of $1 million to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Manchester, New Hampshire, in 2007.
November 2008: Birth of Daughter Sunny
Adam and Jackie Sandler's second daughter, Sunny, was born in November 2008.
2008: Contribution to Rudy Giuliani's Presidential Campaign
Adam Sandler reportedly donated $2,100 to Rudy Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign, the maximum permissible amount at that time.
2009: Sandler Covers Neil Young for Warner Bros. Anniversary
In 2009, Adam Sandler paid tribute to Warner Brothers' 50th anniversary by recording a cover of Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane" for the album "Covered, A Revolution in Sound." He also performed the song on the David Letterman Show alongside a band that included notable guitarist Waddy Wachtel.
2010: Grown Ups Release and Critical Reception
Adam Sandler starred in "Grown Ups" alongside an ensemble cast including Kevin James, Chris Rock, Rob Schneider, David Spade, and others. Sandler co-wrote the script with Fred Wolf, and Dennis Dugan directed the film. However, "Grown Ups," along with its sequel, faced criticism, with some critics drawing comparisons between Sandler's later work and Tyler Perry's.
2010: Inspiration for Pixels
French director Patrick Jean released a short film titled "Pixels," which later served as the inspiration for Adam Sandler's 2015 film of the same name.
July 8, 2011: Zookeeper Release
On July 8, 2011, Adam Sandler lent his voice to the character of a capuchin monkey in the comedy film "Zookeeper," starring Kevin James.
2012: That's My Boy Release
In "That's My Boy," released in 2012, Adam Sandler portrayed a man who had a son with his high school teacher. The film also starred Andy Samberg and Eva Amurri.
2013: Guest Appearance on Jessie
Adam Sandler made a guest appearance as himself in an episode of Disney Channel's "Jessie" titled "Punched Dumped Love." This marked a reunion with Cameron Boyce, who had previously acted alongside Sandler in the "Grown Ups" films.
May 23, 2014: Blended Release
Adam Sandler reunited with Drew Barrymore for the third time in the romantic comedy "Blended," which hit theaters on May 23, 2014. The film was shot in South Africa.
October 2014: Netflix Deal and Men, Women & Children
Adam Sandler signed a four-movie deal with Netflix along with his production company, Happy Madison Productions, in October 2014. The same year, he appeared in Jason Reitman's drama film "Men, Women & Children."
2015: Pixels Release and Transition to Netflix
"Pixels," inspired by Patrick Jean's 2010 short film, marked Adam Sandler's final theatrical release before he shifted towards a distribution deal with Netflix.
January 6, 2016: The Ridiculous 6 Netflix Success
Despite receiving overwhelmingly negative reviews, "The Ridiculous 6," Adam Sandler's first Netflix original film, made history on January 6, 2016, by becoming the most-watched movie on the platform within a 30-day period. Sandler also starred in another Netflix film that year, "The Do-Over."
2017: Sandy Wexler and The Meyerowitz Stories
Adam Sandler starred in two Netflix projects in 2017: "Sandy Wexler," where he played a talent manager falling for his client, and Noah Baumbach's "The Meyerowitz Stories," a critically acclaimed family drama. Sandler's performance in "The Meyerowitz Stories," which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, was particularly lauded, with critics highlighting his departure from comedic roles.
2018: The Week Of, 100% Fresh, and Collaboration with Paul Thomas Anderson
In 2018, Adam Sandler starred alongside Chris Rock in the Netflix comedy "The Week Of." He also released his first stand-up special in over two decades, "Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh," directed by Steven Brill and featuring segments filmed by Paul Thomas Anderson, marking their first collaboration since "Punch-Drunk Love."
May 4, 2019: Saturday Night Live Hosting and Tribute to Chris Farley
Adam Sandler made his debut as host on "Saturday Night Live" on May 4, 2019. He concluded the episode with a touching tribute to his close friend and former castmate, Chris Farley. Sandler's hosting gig earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series.
June 2019: Murder Mystery Release and Sequel
Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston teamed up again in June 2019 for the Netflix comedy "Murder Mystery." The film achieved record-breaking success for the streaming platform, becoming its biggest opening weekend ever. A sequel, "Murder Mystery 2," followed in 2023.
December 2019: Uncut Gems Release and Critical Acclaim
Adam Sandler starred in the Safdie brothers' crime thriller "Uncut Gems," released in December 2019. The film garnered widespread critical acclaim, with many critics hailing Sandler's performance as a career-defining moment. His work in the film earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.
January 2020: New Netflix Deal, Hubie Halloween, and Leo
Adam Sandler and his production company, Happy Madison Productions, secured a second four-movie deal with Netflix in January 2020, this time worth an estimated $275 million. Sandler both starred in and wrote the Netflix comedy "Hubie Halloween." Additionally, he provided the voice for Leo the lizard in the animated Netflix musical "Leo."
2020: Hubie Halloween and Tribute to Cameron Boyce
Adam Sandler's 2020 film "Hubie Halloween" was dedicated to the memory of Cameron Boyce, who tragically passed away.
2021: Vogue Fashion Icon and "Adam Sandler Style"
Adam Sandler's penchant for oversized clothing, particularly T-shirts, pants, and Nike sneakers, led to him being dubbed a fashion icon by Vogue in 2021. This style, often referred to as the "grocery-run look" or "Adam Sandler style," even inspired a line of basketball shorts from the menswear brand Old Jewish Men.
2022: Hustle Release and Critical Acclaim
"Hustle," a sports drama starring Adam Sandler, was released in 2022 to positive reviews. Sandler's performance was particularly praised, earning him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.
March 19, 2023: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Adam Sandler received the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor on March 19, 2023. The event featured speeches by several of Sandler's friends and fellow comedians, including Ben Stiller, Conan O'Brien, Dana Carvey, and Judd Apatow.
2023: Forbes' Highest-Paid Actor
Adam Sandler topped Forbes' list of the highest-paid actors in 2023, earning a reported $73 million.
2023: Murder Mystery 2 Release
Following the success of the 2019 film, Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston reprised their roles for "Murder Mystery 2," released in 2023.
March 2024: Highest-Paid Actor and Forbes Recognition
In March 2024, Forbes named Adam Sandler as the highest-paid actor in Hollywood for 2023, with earnings reaching $73 million.
2024: Upcoming Stand-Up Special
Adam Sandler announced his second stand-up comedy special for Netflix, set to be released in 2024. Josh Safdie is slated to direct the special.