As a huge fan of both Adam Sandler and the iconic comedy performances of Ben Stiller and Dan Aykroyd, I can’t help but be in awe of the fascinating journeys these talented individuals have taken in their respective careers.
Regardless of whether you find him hilarious or not, it’s undeniable that Adam Sandler, with an impressive work ethic, stands among the most active comedians in the entertainment world. His movies have amassed over $2 billion globally, and his fruitful collaboration with Netflix has significantly boosted both his fame and wealth. Notably, he’s responsible for many beloved films on the streaming platform.
In the year 2024, Sandler received the esteemed title of People’s Choice Icon at the People’s Choice Awards. Additionally, Forbes recognized him as the top-earning actor in Hollywood for the year 2023, pocketing an impressive $73 million.
As a dedicated gamer and fan of Adam Sandler’s work, I can’t help but notice how frequently he teams up with my buddies Kevin James, Rob Schneider, and David Spade for his films. However, it seems some Sandler enthusiasts might have missed out on the fact that this SNL alum has collaborated with a long list of A-list stars throughout his hilarious career. Here are ten big names you may have forgotten graced the screens in Adam Sandler‘s movies:
10 Reese Witherspoon
Little Nicky (2000)
It’s surprising to think of Reese Witherspoon, who has won an Academy Award, appearing in a typical Adam Sandler comedy. In fact, she took on the role of his mother in the 2000 film “Little Nicky.”
In the outrageously exaggerated fantasy-comedy, Sandler assumes the role of Satan’s son, played by Harvey Keitel, and an angel named Holly (Witherspoon). He embarks on a challenging mission to rein in his two mischievous brothers before they wreck the boundary separating good from evil.
Sandler’s Angelic Mother Witherspoon
1. In the closing scenes of the movie, Witherspoon makes an appearance following Nicky’s selfless act of giving up his life to shield the beloved woman from her wicked brother Adrian. This event leads Nicky to find himself in heaven where he learns that his mother has a divine nature, being an angel.
In 2021, the actress who later became famous for movies such as Legally Blonde, Sweet Home Alabama, and Walk the Line shared her thoughts about filming Little Nicky on social media. She playfully jabbed at herself for playing a role that was older than Adam Sandler’s, even though she was 10 years younger.
9 Nicole Kidman
Just Go With It (2011)
In the 2011 romantic comedy “Just Go with It”, which was a remake of the 1969 film “Cactus Flower”, Adam Sandler and his longtime friend and regular co-star, Jennifer Aniston, appeared together on screen. The movie follows Danny Maccabee, a successful LA plastic surgeon who devises a clever plan to win over women by feigning a miserable marriage. This film offers an entertaining take on his deception attempts.
As a gamer, I seek advice from my tech-savvy assistant, Katherine Murphy (Aniston), on wooing a charming sixth-grade teacher. The hilarity that follows is anything but predictable.
Kidman’s Foray into Comedy
In an intriguing twist, Nicole Kidman portrays Devlin Adams, Katherine’s former college rival and friend turned foe. Pretending to be Devlin is part of Katherine’s scheme, orchestrated by Danny, to win over a teacher’s heart. Eventually, the two women confront their past issues and let go of their lingering animosity.
In film, Nicole Kidman is renowned for her intense, dramatic roles. Surprisingly, she dipped her toes into comedy, which was delightful for spectators. Even critics, who are often tough to please, acknowledged that Kidman shone brilliantly in this movie.
8 James Caan
That’s My Boy (2012)
One of Adam Sandler’s most notorious box office blunders was 2012’s That’s My Boy, which featured the comedian and Brooklyn Nine-Nine alum Andy Samberg as an unlikely father and son duo, with the film following ultimate slacker and alcoholic Donny Berger as he struggles to reconnect with his estranged son, who was shockingly conceived out of an illicit student-teacher relationship when Donny was in middle school. Todd struggles with his feelings towards his father, who wants to capitalize on their long-coming reunion.
Caan’s Rip-Roaring Cameo
In the divisive comedy-drama, “The Godfather” and “Thief”, actor James Caan portrays Father McNally – the priest initially scheduled to perform the wedding ceremony for Todd and his bride-to-be, Jamie. However, their marriage plans were eventually canceled.
McNally playfully engages in a heated dispute with Todd when he makes derogatory comments about McNally’s late father, Donny. This escalates into a physical altercation outside the church, where McNally comically outmatches Todd until Donny intervenes by hitting Todd unconscious with a beer bottle. Watch Now on Netflix
7 Woody Harrelson
Anger Management (2003)
In the 2003 film “Anger Management,” Adam Sandler teamed up with cinematic icon Jack Nicholson. This buddy comedy revolves around Dave Buznik, a Brooklyn secretary who finds himself enrolled in an anger management program following an outburst on a plane that resulted in him being subdued by an air marshal with a stun gun.
Dave is required to attend a unique therapy program led by famous psychologist Dr. Niccolas Rydell (Nicholson), known for his non-traditional techniques, aiming to assist him in overcoming personal challenges.
Harrelson’s Cheeky Performance
The versatile actor, Woody Harrelson, known for seamlessly adopting diverse roles, truly shone in an unusual performance as Galaxia, a prostitute who made a memorable scene propositioning Dave during one of Buddy’s peculiar teaching sessions.
Galaxia is uncovered as being none other than Gary, a Yankee Stadium security agent, who provides essential assistance to Dave during a pivotal point in his personal development journey. Harrelson effectively brought his distinctive charm and allure to this cameo role, much to the delight of both the film’s audience and Harrelson fans alike.
6 Brian Cox
Pixels (2015)
In the world of gaming, I once found myself in the shoes of Sam Brenner, a skilled electronics installer and arcade champion, portrayed by Adam Sandler in the 2015 movie “Pixels.” Based on the animated French film of the same name, we teamed up with Kevin James to embark on an extraordinary mission. The stakes were high: protect our planet from an invasion of pixels, remnants of classic arcade games that had come to life as malevolent aliens. With our combined expertise and determination, we led the charge against these pixelated adversaries. It was a quest like no other!
If alien beings incorrectly interpret Earth’s video game signals as aggressive actions, President William Cooper must defend our species against these intruders. In this battle for survival, he receives crucial assistance from experts in arcade gaming.
An Unexpected Appearance by Cox
Brian Cox, who has won a Golden Globe, is primarily recognized now for portraying Logan Roy in “Succession,” the patriarch and billionaire. However, this acclaimed actor effortlessly adapted to the unconventional genre when he depicted Admiral James Porter in the sci-comedy. This gun-loving, nuclear enthusiast Admiral fails to grasp the serious threats confronting both himself and his nation as he endeavors to guide President Cooper on a military strategy, with less than satisfactory outcomes.
5 Harvey Keitel
The Ridiculous 6 (2015)
Sandler gathered an assorted team of well-known actors for his 2015 Western comedy-action film, “The Ridiculous 6.” Notable names like Terry Crews, Rob Schneider, Taylor Lautner, and Luke Wilson signed up for this production. The storyline revolves around six distinct men who uncover a shocking truth – they are all offspring of the notorious bank robber Frank Stockburn, portrayed by Nick Nolte.
In the role of Tommy “White Knife” Dunson Stockburn, Sandler portrays a character who was brought up by indigenous people and embarks on a journey to reunite with his estranged father, who has a criminal background.
A Lackluster Critical Response
In the controversial movie, legendary tough guy actor Harvey Keitel plays Smiley Harris, a former member of Frank’s gang who now owns the Golden Nugget and seeks revenge on his old partner by murdering the robbers’ half-brothers. This action ultimately results in a gruesome end for Smiley.
Previously, Keitel collaborated with Sandler in “Little Nicky.” In contrast to “The Ridiculous 6,” this Western comedy received positive critiques from critics, boasting a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating turnaround, despite reaching the top spot among viewers in every region upon its debut.
4 Jennifer Coolidge
Click (2006)
One of Sandler’s most ponderous and applauded movie productions was the 2006 box office success “Click,” in which Sandler plays Michael Newman, an architect and workaholic with a lovely spouse named Donna (Kate Beckinsale) and two kids. In this film, Michael discovers a magical remote that enables him to manipulate and modify reality effortlessly by just pressing a button.
Michael manages his hectic work and home life with the help of the remote, skipping over less engaging experiences. However, he eventually realizes that these very moments add significance to life.
Coolidge Dazzles Moviegoers
After making audiences laugh as Stifler’s mom in the “American Pie” series, Jennifer Coolidge brought more humor to the table when she played the role of Janine, Donna’s anxious best friend, in the show. Michael dislikes her, and surprisingly, Hasselhoff from “Baywatch” was her romantic interest.
In her enthusiastic supporting part, Coolidge shone brightly, contributing to the movie’s impressive box office collection of approximately $240 million and a B+ rating from viewers, eventually clinching the People’s Choice Award for Best Comedy Movie.
3 Ray Liotta
Hubie Halloween (2020)
In the agreement between Sandler and Netflix, the comedian featured in the lively 2020 horror comedy “Hubie Halloween.” This production centers around Hubie, an unassuming and good-hearted deli employee with a deep affection for Halloween, who transforms into a hero as he attempts to safeguard his cherished hometown of Salem, Massachusetts. The storyline unfolds when a sinister kidnapper begins terrorizing the residents, compelling Hubie to investigate his peculiar new neighbor Walter Lambert (played by Steve Buscemi), who claims to be a 359-year-old werewolf.
Liotta Embraces His Tough Persona
Ray Liotta, who sadly passed away, portrays Pete Landolfa, one of Hubie’s numerous cruel and aggressive tormentors who finds joy in teasing and harassing the kind-hearted yet timid Hubie. Pete gets kidnapped by the enigmatic figure causing terror in Salem, leaving it to Hubie to save not only his tormentor but also several other relentless bullies being threatened.
While it didn’t get outstanding reviews, Hubie Halloween was quite popular among viewers and became the most-watched title on Netflix during its initial two weeks after release.
2 Ben Stiller
Happy Gilmore (1996)
In the past, Ben Stiller proved his versatility by accepting various roles despite not yet achieving fame through his hilarious performances in films like “There’s Something About Mary,” “Meet the Parents,” and “Zoolander.” He made an unrecognized appearance in “Happy Gilmore,” released in 1996.
The well-loved character from Sandler’s movies, known for his impulsive nature, transitions from chasing a career in ice hockey to professional golfing. This change is made with the intention of preventing his grandmother’s house from being repossessed due to foreclosure.
Stiller’s Deranged Orderly
Stiller brilliantly brought Hal L., the heartless orderly at the nursing home where Happy’s grandmother was unwillingly moved, to life. This character, played by Stiller, is in charge of raising funds to pay off Grandma Gilmore’s IRS debt. Unbeknownst to the families, the residents were subjected to hidden mistreatment by the staff under Hal’s command. His demeanor towards the tenants was aggressive and he reveled in wielding power over them as he “looked after” Grandma Gilmore.
In a charmingly eccentric portrayal, Stiller played the orderly to perfection during his short but impactful scene. Later, he revisited this character in Sandler’s 2020 movie titled “Hubie Halloween.”
1 Dan Aykroyd
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry (2007)
2007 brought us the buddy comedy “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry,” starring Adam Sandler and Kevin James as firefighters Chuck Levine and Larry Valentine. In this story, they are long-time friends who devise a plan to falsely present themselves as a gay couple and tie the knot, aiming to secure healthcare benefits for Larry’s kids.
The friends are taken aback when when an investigator becomes interested in their supposed romance, making it much harder for them to continue with their deceitful scheme.
Aykroyd Does His Thing in Lively Cameo
Comedy veteran Dan Aykroyd didn’t disappoint in his role as Captain Phineas J. Tucker. Straightforward and blunt, he was Chuck and Larry’s no-nonsense superior who wasn’t shy about expressing his opinions on their relationship. Growing tired of the constant media attention their union received, he made it clear that he had had enough.
In the heat of our epic game, I stepped up to lead my team, playing the resolute Captain Aykroyd. At the heart-stopping finale, I praised my companions for their incredible act of selflessness towards each other, delivering an intense and unforgettable speech about love that left everyone in awe.
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2024-07-30 04:32