Sandler, Adam Richard (1966– )

US comedian, actor, musician, screenwriter, and producer. Known for his quirky, slapstick characterizations, combining vulgar humour with understated charm, he achieved major success during the 1990s and 2000s with comedy films such as Happy Gilmore (1996), The Wedding Singer (1998), Anger Management (2003), and Spanglish (2004).

He established his career during his five-year stint as an actor and writer for the late-night comedy series Saturday Night Live 1990–95. His comedy albums, starting with They're All Gonna Laugh at You that September (1993), were bestsellers during the 1990s and 2000s. He formed his Happy Madison production company in 1996.

He was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire. Graduating with a degree in Fine Arts from New York University in 1991, he performed in comedy clubs throughout his time at college and secured a recurring guest role on the popular sitcom The Cosby Show. His first starring film role was in Billy Madison (1995). Other comedies include The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), Little Nicky (2000), and Mr Deeds (2002). He achieved critical success with a more serious role in the dark romance Punch Drunk Love (2002). Despite the often childish nature of his films, he has succeeded in attracting many high-profile stars to his projects, including Drew Barrymore, Winona Ryder, Téa Leoni, and Jack Nicholson.