Adam Sandler made $10 a night doing stand-up comedy before he was famous
Hot off the heels of being awarded the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humor last month, footage has emerged of Adam Sandler starting out by doing stand-up for just '10 bucks a night'.
You can watch a baby-faced Sandler crack jokes below:
Back in 2019, Sandler sit down with 60 Minutes presenter Sharyn Alfonsi.
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In the interview, he explained: "My mother said how great I was all the time I started to believe her, but my father would be like: 'You're great but you ain't that great'."
Sandler began his career as a stand-up comedian in New York City, playing Comic Strip Live more than 500 times - and was paid just $10 per gig.
It was here he discovered the thing that would become the USP of his act: using his guitar to sell jokes.
"I was so nervous every time then I'd get up and I wouldn't remember what I was supposed to say and go blank," he explained.
"You have the guitar in your hands because that way I was at least doing something - it was the security blanket."
Sandler got his big break on The Cosby Show, and then landed a gig on Saturday Night Live along with various comic roles.
His most serious role to date is in acclaimed 2019 movie Uncut Gems.
The American crime thriller tells the story of a Jewish-American jeweller and gambling addict in New York City's Diamond District, who must retrieve an expensive gem he purchased in order to pay off his debts.
Though Sandler was famously snubbed at the Oscars for his stellar performance, he did receive a nomination for the 29th annual SAG Awards for his 2022 sports drama Hustle.
Many commented on the interview to show their appreciation of Sandler.
One said: "I don’t know how anyone could not love this guy. Down to earth, funny, loyal to friends and a family man. He deserves everything he’s achieved."
Another commented: "This dude is the most down to earth and genuine celebrity. It’s like you have to remind him that he made it."
While a third said: "I feel like I grew up with this guy! I've watched everything he ever did & continues to do. He's living the dream. Hanging with your besties, cutting up, laughing, & we get to watch it. Legend."
Topics: Celebrity, TV and Film, Adam Sandler
Amelia Jones