Finding Inspiration in the Strangest Places
FINDING INSPIRATION IN STRANGE PLACES
RE-TELLING THE FAMOUS ADAM SANDLER STORY
Some mysteries may never be solved. Like, what’s the origin of the universe? Is there an afterlife? How in the hell did Adam Sandler become one of the most successful actors in Hollywood?
Philosophers will ponder these questions indefinitely.
I admit that when it comes to Adam Sandler, I’ve always been the anti-fan. I don’t get it. I don’t get his appeal. Perhaps, I never will.
Believe it or not, I actually met Sandler. Twice. Both were at poker charity events, about 15 years ago. At the time, Sandler was commanding $12 million a movie. At least, credit him for showing up for a good cause. Once, I had the microphone and in front of a room packed with media, I asked Sandler to do his famous “Scooby-Doo” line, which I find marginally humorous. Sandler just glared at me, and ignored the request. A year later at another event, I interviewed him on the red carpet step-and-repeat scrum. Sandler reeked of pot smoke, seemed totally out of it, and was rescued by fellow comedian Sarah Silverman, who stole the spotlight (and is genuinely, spontaneously, brilliantly funny).
I also went by Sandler’s house in Brentwood about ten years ago (long story for another time). A neighbor of his I knew from the poker world and I were driving to his nearby home and he pointed out to me, “that’s Adam Sandler’s house.” He noted that Sandler is very well-liked in the neighborhood, especially by the kids. Sandler dresses up every Halloween and makes a big party out of it, and all the kids and neighbors come over. I have to admit, even though I’m not a fan, that kinda’ makes me a fan. Okay, just a little.
On TV tonight, Sandler is receiving one of the most prestigious awards for comedy. He’s being honored with the annual Mark Twain award, aptly named for one of the American pioneers of humor. I expect to watch the show, not so much for Sandler, but otherwise for the splendid guest list of fellow performers. So, I’ll reserve judgment until I see tonight’s show.
This brings me to something about inspiration, and it comes from the unlikeliest of places. I wouldn’t expect to be moved by something from Sandler, but I was. It’s a story. Perhaps it will be told during the Mark Twain tribute tonight. I don’t know. But just in case it isn’t, here’s the story, which is true (it appeared a few years ago in a Vanity Fair article).
The Sandler and the Professor Story
Sandler was a student and an aspiring young actor at NYU. Long before he was famous, he studied drama and was enrolled in NYU’s theatre program. At the time, Sandler was 21 years old, about to enter his final year of college. One afternoon just before the new semester was about to begin, Sandler ran into one of his drama teachers. The professor had a reputation for being direct with students. The professor suggested they go out and have a beer together and have a frank talk.
Over a draft brew, the professor leveled with Sandler. He told his student to find another major. He basically told Sandler he didn’t have the talent to make it as an actor. “You don’t have it,” was basically the message. Pretty harsh talk. Sandler went on to graduate from NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts in 1988.
Years later, after starring in many movies and making millions in Hollywood, Sandler was back on the NYU campus as a visitor for a speaking engagement. He was surrounded by students and mobbed by fans. That’s when he spotted his old college professor in the crowd. Bam! Here was a great opportunity to rub it in.
Sandler went up to the professor and in full view of everyone reportedly said, “hey, everybody — I want to introduce the only college professor who….who ever BOUGHT ME A BEER.”
I was really moved by this story. Sandler could have embarrassed or even humiliated his old professor. Instead, he took the high road. There’s a lesson here, perhaps. Even those we don’t particularly like and teach us, and inspire us.
Okay, so I’m now more of a fan than I was.
