At 58, Adam Sandler revisits Happy Gilmore, but his most personal work still honors his Russian-Jewish heritage
Adam Sandler
, now aged 58, remains an enduring icon in Hollywood, equal parts class clown and cultural curator. That film, a screwball comedy about a failed hockey player turned golfer, made
Sandler
a household name and set the tone for his brand of absurd yet oddly heartfelt humor.
The sequel (
Happy Gilmore 2
) sees the once-retired golfer return to the sport, this time to fund his daughter's ballet school.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Please select course:
Select a Course Category
Finance
Leadership
Operations Management
Project Management
MCA
healthcare
Cybersecurity
Technology
Design Thinking
Others
Product Management
MBA
Degree
Data Science
Management
others
PGDM
CXO
Data Science
Data Analytics
Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence
Digital Marketing
Public Policy
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
7 Months
S P Jain Institute of Management and Research
CERT-SPJIMR Fintech & Blockchain India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Skills you'll gain:
Duration:
9 Months
IIM Calcutta
SEPO - IIMC CFO India
Starts on
undefined
Get Details
Also Read:
WWII vet who married at 100 in Normandy, plans Bar Mitzvah at 103 at the Pentagon; still chasing dreams 81 years after D-Day
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Ringing in The Ears? Do This Immediately!
Live Happier
Click Here
It brings back familiar faces like Shooter McGavin and Virginia while introducing new cameos from stars like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and pro golfers Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau.
Live Events
Written by Sandler and longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy and directed by Kyle Newacheck, the film mixes nostalgia with emotional maturity. It revolves around redemption, grief, and legacy amid the familiar chaos of golf.
Adam Sandler's Russian Jewish connection
But other than his laughs, Sandler's work has often traced back to something far more personal: his
Russian-Jewish heritage
.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, Adam Sandler is the son of Judy, a nursery school teacher, and Stanley, an electrical engineer, both of whom are descended from Russian-Jewish immigrants.
His Jewish upbringing, which was greatly influenced by his parents, plays a vital role in Adam Sandler's work.
Many believe that growing up celebrating Shabbat dinners, Hanukkah, and other Jewish rituals in a home steeped in tradition directly inspired projects like
Eight Crazy Nights
and The Chanukah Song.
In his heartfelt acceptance speech for the 2022
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
, Sandler credited his family for shaping who he is. He said he 'never had a speech from my father… but I learned to be led by example,' recalling how his father introduced him to music icons like Johnny Mathis and imparted a strong sense of humor and resilience.
He also spoke lovingly of his mother Judy, who had unwavering faith in his dreams.
His reflections sound very similar to 'old‑school Jewish dad energy', a combination of stern love, dry wit, and unspoken lessons rooted in cultural values.
Who were these Russian Jews?
Russian Jews, like Sandler's ancestors, were part of a large wave of immigration to the US in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, fleeing pogroms and persecution under the Russian Empire. Settling in cities like New York and Boston, they preserved their customs while adapting to American life. The tension between old-world roots and new-world ambitions is something Sandler often pokes fun at and celebrates.
This cultural inheritance is sometimes displayed in several of his most Jewish-inflected films. Here are five Adam Sandler movies that prominently feature Jewish culture through their themes, characters, or humor, reflecting Sandler's embrace of his Jewish heritage.
Eight Crazy Nights (2002)
In this animated Hanukkah musical, Sandler brings Jewish holidays and themes front and center in a way rarely seen in mainstream cinema. He not only voices multiple characters but also infuses the film with warmth and irreverence drawn straight from Jewish storytelling traditions.
You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008)
As an Israeli commando who ditches war for a new life as a New York hairstylist, Sandler dives into Jewish and Middle Eastern identity with satire and slapstick. The movie playfully tackles Jewish pride, diaspora identity, and cultural misunderstandings.
Uncut Gems (2019)
In perhaps his most critically acclaimed performance, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a Jewish jeweler navigating chaos in Manhattan's Diamond District. The Safdie Brothers' thriller immerses viewers in Jewish family life, rituals, and the grit of generational business culture.
You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah
(2023)
Featuring his real-life daughters, this Netflix hit is a heartfelt portrayal of adolescence, friendship, and family within a Jewish context. It's Sandler at his most sincere, spotlighting the bat mitzvah tradition as a celebration of identity and belonging.
The He
brew Hammer (2003) – Honorary Mention
Though Sandler doesn't star in it, this cult classic reflects the same sensibility that marks his best Jewish-themed work: brash humor with a warm embrace of tradition. Its influence and shared spirit earn it a place alongside Sandler's cultural contributions.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
14 minutes ago
- Time of India
This actor transformed himself to become one of the biggest Bollywood stars; he managed to lose 50 kg for debut role!
Arjun Kapoor is another actor who becomes the picture-perfect story of how determination and willpower can get you to your end goal. The actor's transformation and journey into stardom are nothing short of inspiring. Arjun Kapoor's 50 kg transformation The actor, who won the hearts of many with his 2012 debut film 'Ishaqzaade', had undergone a lot of challenges and issues before he was even fit enough to take on the role. Previously, the actor used to weigh almost 140 kg. In a conversation with Hindustan Times, the actor had shared how he had managed to lose so much weight for his debut role alongside Parineeti Chopra . He had shared that, 'Before I started, I lost around 50 kgs. I was in my 20s then, I went from 143 kgs down to 93 kgs. But 10 years later, my body has changed. I have had injuries, health issues, workload, etc. But it's not that I'm not mentally capable. It might take me longer physically to do it, which is why it has taken me 15 months to get into shape'. Though this feat was not achieved without its own set of issues. The journey took a whopping 15 months, as revealed by the actor himself in an online post. Though the story now stands deleted, his ambition still remains as an inspiration for many. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Learn More - How Donating Sperm May Support Your Income SpellRock Undo He has also talked about his weight loss journey in various interviews, where he has detailed what kind of restrictions he had to limit himself to. In an Indian Express interview, he shared that even though he was a foodie, he gave up almost everything and cut out junk from his life in order to get where he is today. He shared that instead of processed foods, he opted to keep his diet natural and full of high-protein foods. When talking about the one thing he focuses most on when losing weight, he emphasised the importance of walking. In an old Time of India interview, the actor shared, 'When I was overweight as a kid, I believed in one thing: there's nothing better than walking. Even now, when I need to shed weight, I make sure to stay physically active. You can't just sit around eating and complain about not losing weight'. What foods does the actor eat? In a deleted post, the actor had even talked about his regular meals and shared what he eats in a day to maintain his health. He talked about how he has eggs in the morning along with gym, and then has lunch at 1:30 pm. He usually has a Souvlaki Wrap, after which he attends to other matters till 5. His snacks include Turkey Sushi, and dinner goes on to Turkish kebabs with a nutritious sauce/chutney. Dealing with Hashimoto's disease A possibly unknown fact about the actor's life is that he also suffers from Hashimoto's disease. He shared in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India that he suffers from the disease and that it is very easy for his body to gain weight. He cited that even taking a flight can trigger the 'fight or flight' response in his system.
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
When Suresh Gopi applauded him on set; 'J.S.K' actor Ratheesh Krishnan opens up ; says 'Mammukka made it all possible'
(Picture Courtesy: Facebook) As the recently released film 'J.S.K – Janaki V v/s State of Kerala', headlined by Suresh Gopi , is getting decent reviews, a wave of attention is building around actor Ratheesh Krishnan , who plays a key role in the film. Speaking to ETimes, Ratheesh opened up about a powerful experience during one of the most intense scenes, "One of the most memorable moments during the shoot of 'J.S.K' was during the courtroom scene, where I had a combination scene with Suresh Gopi sir. The first single take went well, the second one was good too, and when the third take was also approved, Suresh Gopi sir clapped. That was followed by applause from the entire set. For a beginner like me, it was a huge boost and an unforgettable moment.' A role that came unexpectedly Ratheesh's role as Tony wasn't something he initially had in hand. Recalling how it came together, he said, 'My character Tony in 'J.S.K' actually came into my hands quite unexpectedly — and that's the real truth. It wasn't a role I was initially cast for. I had gone to the film's puja function and requested a role, but I was told there wasn't anything available as the roles had already been filled. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pune: Unsold Furniture Liquidation 2024 (Prices May Surprise You) Unsold Furniture | Search Ads Learn More Undo However, many people supported me and vouched that I would be a good fit for the character. " Looking at all the positive responses, Ratheesh is content as he says," I'm now receiving a lot of positive responses for my performance — even from people within the film industry.' Janaki V vs State Of Kerala - Official Trailer 'When Mammukka said I performed well, it felt like winning an Oscar' The actor also looked back on defining moments in his journey. 'One of the most cherished memories in my acting journey is from my time on the sets of 'Abrahaminte Santhathikal'. When Mammukka (Mammootty) said I performed well, it felt like winning an Oscar.' He added, 'During the shoot of 'Trance', after I delivered my dialogue, Anwar Rasheed sir and Amal Neerad sir had a brief discussion and said, 'Ratheesh, that was a perfect dialogue delivery.' That, too, felt like winning an Oscar.' Now shooting for the thriller 'French Kiss', Ratheesh shared, 'I play a stunning character named Vincent Mash, and I'm really excited for what's coming next.'
Time of India
29 minutes ago
- Time of India
Amid her jeans campaign controversy, Sydney Sweeney may have a new beau in her life—PICS
Actress Sydney Sweeney was seen out and about enjoying her day with a supposed mystery man! While the star was on a weekend away from the limelight at her family's lake house, she was spotted by passersby getting close and cozy with a man who has not been identified. Sydney Sweeney may have a new beau in her life The 'Madame Web' actress was seen wearing black swimwear as she was chatting away with the man she was spotted with, as per reports from MailOnline. The two also rode a jet ski nearby, where the actress was seen sitting at the front, while the man was seen holding her from behind. They also then went off to an area with a rope swing attached to a tree. As per the report shared, the two seemed 'more than friends' and shared a special connection. Earlier, the actress had reunited with her ex-fiancé, Jonathan Davino. Speculations have been going on about who the mysterious man is as Sweeney faces backlash from her jeans campaign. About Sweeney's past relationships Earlier this year, the actress had quietly broken her official engagement with her ex, Jonathan Davino. The split came as a surprise to many as well. Since then, she has been connected to a couple of people, including Brandon Sklenar , who worked with her on 'The Housemaid.' There were also speculations and rumors about Glen Powell as well, as they had been spotted attending a wedding together. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Unsold 2021 Cars Now Almost Free - Prices May Surprise You Unsold Cars | Search Ads Learn More Undo All of these have turned out to be mere rumors as of right now, since the actress herself has shared no comments on her relationship status. The actress' ad controversy As reported by the Daily Mail, a recent ad done by Sweeney managed to face a lot of backlash online after its release. Her campaign titled 'Sydney Sweeney as Great Jeans' was called 'tone deaf' on many occasions, as it sounded like the phrase 'great genes.' This term has often been used to support white supremacy. The brand, however, has shared publicly that the benefits received from the campaign will be going to an organization that assists domestic violence survivors.
