Adam Sandler, the Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe-nominated actor, reflects on his unexpectedly enduring career in Hollywood. Speaking with AARP ahead of receiving the AARP Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award in January, Sandler expressed surprise at how far he has come in the industry. “I never thought of this in my life. I was always trying to just continue marching forward,” he stated, noting that moments of recognition, like this award, are striking and unexpected.
Sandler humorously recounted his reactions to seeing his past films, recalling, “You just go, ‘Oh man, I used to be pretty damn skinny!’” He admitted that the constant spotlight and press involvement over three decades have sometimes driven him “bananas,” revealing a desire to escape from talking about himself after so many years.
Maintaining a close-knit professional circle has been crucial for Sandler since the beginning of his career in the late ‘90s. He acknowledged the importance of his team, stating, “They feel very close to what I’ve done and the choices I’ve made. They’re a part of those decisions and thoughts, so it feels like [everyone feels] the ups and downs together.”
Sandler, who first gained fame during his stint on “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1995, went on to star in beloved films such as “Happy Gilmore,” “The Waterboy,” and “Billy Madison.” In a past interview on the “Little Gold Men” podcast, he shared his mixed feelings about his own work, often critiquing past performances while asserting that he has always approached each role with conviction. “I always thought I was doing the right thing in the moment,” he reflected, “but I look back at even stuff from five years ago and I go, ‘Oh, should’ve done this, man.’”
Despite any self-criticism, Sandler remains passionate about his craft and committed to producing entertaining content, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in comedy. “We work hard with a bunch of people who like to create, write stuff down, try to make it fresh as much as we can and think about the audience,” he said.
As he continues to navigate Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape, Sandler’s resilience and genuine approach to his career serve as an inspiration, proving that dedication and passion can lead to long-lasting success in the entertainment industry.