Henry Winkler Reveals Funny Story Behind His Casting in Adam Sandlers The Waterboy

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As a fan, I can wholeheartedly appreciate the journey and resilience of Henry Winkler, an actor whose talent and charm have graced our screens for decades. His role as Coach Klein in “The Waterboy” was more than just a part; it was a lifeline that revived his career after the iconic days of “Happy Days.

Henry Winkler unexpectedly played the role of Coach Klein in the Adam Sandler-led comedy “The Waterboy,” a part that was not initially intended for him. It turned out to be a last-minute favor when Sandler, who was struggling with an absent actor for the role, reached out to Winkler. The movie, directed by Frank Coraci, follows Sandler’s character Bobby Boucher, a waterboy with awkward tendencies who discovers he has hidden football skills and joins Coach Klein’s team. On the “Let’s Talk Off-Camera with Kelly Ripa” podcast, Winkler shared the story of how he landed the role of Coach Klein.

I was the stand-in for the character in ‘The Waterboy.’ Adam Sandler called me unexpectedly during the night. He said, ‘Henry, I require a favor. My actor is absent. I need you to immediately drive to the park. It’s in L.A., it’s 11:30 at night. So, I agreed. I shaved. I drove. I waited. I had makeup applied until 3:30 in the morning. Guess what I received? A cookie. I didn’t even get to take home the costume.

When Ripa brought up Chris Rock saying Adam Sandler gave his “Grown Ups” castmates Maseratis and inquired from the Barry actor what car he himself would desire from Sandler, Winkler humorously responded, telling Ripa that he wouldn’t want a Maserati.

A Maserati isn’t appealing to me as its low profile makes getting in and out quite a challenge, something I wouldn’t find comfortable enough for daily use.

Regardless of mixed reviews from critics, the movie “The Waterboy” proved to be a significant success at the box office (earning $190 million worldwide on a budget of just $20 million). The film’s underdog tale and standout performances by Adam Sandler and Henry Winkler struck a chord with audiences who continue to cherish it.

The Waterboy Helped Revive Henry Winkler’s Career

As a dedicated admirer, I can say that despite Henry Winkler feeling let down by receiving a cookie instead of payment, he has openly acknowledged that “The Waterboy” played a significant role in rejuvenating his career. After “The Waterboy,” Winkler went on to secure roles in hit shows like “Arrested Development” and “Parks and Recreation.” In 2018, he even won an Emmy Award for his work on “Barry.” Interestingly, Winkler has collaborated with Sandler again on multiple projects following “The Waterboy,” including “Little Nicky” in 2000, “Click” in 2006, “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan” in 2008, and “Sandy Wexler” in 2017.

Winkler expressed his appreciation for Sandler, whom many view as one of Hollywood’s kindest personalities, to Ripa.

“I love him. He is whatever you imagine. He is wacky. He is different. He is a family man. He is loyal. He is funny. He is in amazement. He has a vision. You know, when he, directs or he’s in a movie, he is in charge of every detail. There’s not a frame that gets by him. No matter what it is, I love him and I respect him deeply. I’m not crazy about the way he dresses.”

Previously, Winkler was featured on the October 15 broadcast of American Horror Stories. In that episode titled “X“, Winkler assumes the role of Dr. Eric Nostrum, an oncologist who practices at a hospital where questionable research is being conducted in a secretive ward. It’s worth noting that his son, Max, oversees two episodes during this season’s horror anthology, but he didn’t direct “X.

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2024-10-17 16:32