From Saturday Night Live, Happy Gilmore, and Big Daddy, Adam Sandler gives his all to deliver on-screen and at home — even going so far as to be coached by his loving wife to kiss his on-screen love interests with more passion.
Adam Sandler has been married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler (née Titone) since June 2003 (Credit: Sheri Determan / WENN)
After meeting the love of his life, Jackie Sandler, while filming the 1999 hit movie Big Daddy, Adam Sandler’s life was forever changed, and he claims that his wife has made him a better man and actor.
Life Before Love
Adam Sandler was born on September 9, 1966, in New York City and was raised in a strict Jewish home by his Russian Jewish parents.
When Sandler was six years old, his family moved to New Hampshire, where he joined BBYO, a Jewish youth group, and continued to expand his theological knowledge independently.
His childhood has notably shaped Sandler’s career, as his Jewish upbringing has become a prominent element of both his stand-up routines and the lives of his on-screen characters.
Adam Sandler made his first television appearance on The Cosby Show in 1987 (Credit: NBC / Ellen)
Sandler’s breakout role was a small part of Theo Huxtable’s friend in The Cosby Show. Two years later, in 1989, the comedian would star in his first film, Going Overboard.
During this time, Sandler furthered his comedy career by performing his standup routines at a local comedy club. At 17, he spontaneously took the stage at a Boston comedy club.
In 1990, the actor found himself in a lucky situation after comedian Dennis Miller was in the audience of one of Sandler’s standup comedy shows.
Miller liked Sandler’s material so much that he used his connections within Saturday Night Live to net Sandler a cushy gig as a writer on the sketch comedy show.
Adam Sandler at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards hosted by Roseanne Barr at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on September 8, 1994 (Credit: Chris Connor / WENN)
Sander diligently worked as a Saturday Night Live writer for a year before they allowed him to move his talents in front of the camera. This was an opportunity of a lifetime for Sandler, as it marked a huge milestone for the comedic actor.
You may remember some of the hilarious novelty songs he performed while on the show, such as “Chanukah.”
Saturday Night Live proved to be an invaluable experience for Sandler because he made connections with many of his future collaborators, such as Rob Schneider, Chris Rock, and David Spade.
Brendan Fraser as Chazz Darby (né Chester Ogilvie), Steve Buscemi as Rex, and Adam Sandler as Pip in the 1994 American comedy film Airheads (Credit: 20th Century Fox / WENN)
In 1995, Sandler alleges that both he and his legendary co-star, Chris Farley, were fired from Saturday Night Live. It is important to note that their terminations were not due to a lack of talent, considering both comedians were at the top of their game.
Rather, the issue stemmed from Saturday Night Live cast members becoming disinterested in the gig — and the audience took notice — resulting in plummeting ratings.
Despite being fired from Saturday Night Live in 1995, Sandler continued his journey to super-stardom. Around this time, the actor starred in hit films such as Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, The Wedding Singer, The Waterboy, and Big Daddy.
Drew Barrymore as waitress Julia Sullivan and Adam Sandler as Robbie Hart kiss in the 1998 American romantic comedy film The Wedding Singer (Credit: New Line Cinema / WENN)
He started filming Big Daddy in 1997. This movie would prove to be one of the pivotal moments in Adam’s life. On top of it being a major box office hit, Adam had a chance encounter with an extra named Jackie Titone.
The success of Sandler’s movies was evident, so he decided to start his own production company, Happy Madison Productions, in 1999, along with his collaborator Rob Schneider.
Despite box office success and amassing an impressive net worth of $420 million, critics routinely consider many of Sandler’s films to be awful — so much so that they have even labeled a few of his movies ‘The Worst Film of All Time.’
Jackie Sandler, who is 5’9″ (1.75 m) tall, posed with her slightly taller husband Adam Sandler, who is 5’9 ¾” (177.2 cm) tall, at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Netflix’s “Murder Mystery 2” at Regency Village Theatre on March 28, 2023, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
Despite often being criticized for his comedic output, Adam Sandler has continued to make films, even branching out into more serious roles, such as his portrayal of jeweler and gambling addict Howard Ratner in the Coen Brothers’ 2019 crime thriller Uncut Gems.
Adam Sandler’s Love Life
Adam Sandler has had a far less prolific love life than many of his collaborators, with only three notable relationships throughout the years.
Sandler dated businesswoman Margaret Ruden from 1992 to 1993.
Not much is known about their relationship aside from the fact that it is rumored that they were once engaged. The couple split up after only a year together.
Adam Sandler with his wife Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler and his mother Judith “Judy” (née Levine) at his footprint ceremony at Mann Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, California, on May 17, 2005 (Credit: Jody Cortes / WENN)
In 1996, Sandler had a short, one-month fling with 90’s dreamgirl Alicia Silverstone, known best for her role in Clueless. Despite being featured in the tabloids nonstop during their brief relationship, the pair was not meant to be.
This left Adam single and ready to mingle just in time to start filming Big Daddy. Coincidentally, his buddy Rob Schneider recommended an up-and-coming actress named Jackie Titone for the film after she had a small role in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.
Luckily for Sandler, this recommendation would turn out to be a very good thing, as he and Titone soon fell in love.
Adam Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Sadie Madison Sandler, guest, and Jackie Sandler attend the “Murder Mystery 2” photocall at Pont Debilly on March 16, 2023, in Paris, France (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)
The pair hit it off right away. The couple notes that they had many things in common, including how close they are in height, Adam being 5’10” and Jackie 5’9″.
In 2020, the actor posted a heartfelt homage on Instagram, commemorating the anniversary of the day he and his wife first encountered each other.
Accompanied by a nostalgic photograph, Adam penned, “22 years ago today we locked eyes and fell deep. Looking forward to the next 22, young lady. Love you my forever girl.”
Adam Sandler, with his wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny, celebrates his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 1, 2011, in Hollywood (Credit: Apega / WENN)
Sandler and Titone became instantly devoted to each other, both personally and professionally, as Sandler has included his wife in many of his films. In 2000, Jackie officially converted to Judaism, showing her commitment to her loved ones.
In 2003, Sandler and Titone tied the knot in an extravagant ceremony, and some of the attendants on the 400-strong, star-studded guest list included Jennifer Aniston, Dustin Hoffman, and Sharon Osbourne — among Sandler’s many collaborators over the years.
On June 21, 2023, Adam and Jackie joyfully marked two decades of marital bliss. Posting on Instagram with a throwback photo during their wedding day, the comedian wrote, “Happy 20th my sweet Jackie! Your ‘I do’ was the best gift of my life. My heart has been yours since the first second I saw you and I love and appreciate your devoted soul more and more each day. Us. The kids. Lets keep going and going babe. Lots of love to give you. Always.”
What Does Jackie Sandler Do for a Living?
Though Jackie Sandler (formerly Titone) is often simply referred to as “Adam Sandler’s Wife,” she is far more than just the comedian’s arm candy and life partner.
Jackie, born on September 24, 1974, in Coral Springs, Florida, had a rocky childhood. Her parents had a long, drawn-out divorce lasting roughly seven years. All the while, Jackie lived with her mother.
Adam Sandler and his wife Jackie met on the set of the film Big Daddy in 1999 (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)
While still in her teens, Jackie knew she wanted to be a model. She landed small gigs here and there but became frustrated with the industry and that she was not finding success.
Jackie decided that modeling may not be the best career route for her and soon set her sights on the silver screen.
She met Rob Schneider through her role as Sally in Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo. This chance encounter not only was Jackie’s breakout role, but it also introduced her to her future husband and greatest collaborator.
Jackie has had many roles over the years, with almost two dozen credits to her name from roles in her husband’s films.
The Sandlers’ Life Together and How They Handle On-screen Relationships
The Sandlers now have two beautiful children, Sadie, born in May 2006, and Sunny, born in November 2008, who are also frequently featured in many films by Happy Madison Productions.
Adam cites Jackie as playing a pivotal role in his life: she is a coach and a cheerleader to him when he needs it, and she acts as his mentor and best friend.
When the Coen Brothers approached the comedian for the role for Uncut Gems, Adam found himself feeling nervous that the film was out of his comfort zone. It was none other than his wife, Jackie, who encouraged him to take the part.
Jackie Sandler and her husband Adam Sandler arrive at the Los Angeles Premiere Of A24’s ‘Uncut Gems’ held at the ArcLight Cinerama Dome on December 11, 2019, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California (Credit: Avalon / WENN)
“My badass wife, she gave me the balls to take the part,” Adam said. “I was scared, and she said, ‘Go f*cking do that’ and ‘you can do that sh*t*’ and we rehearsed together all the time.”
Jackie Sandler’s undying encouragement for her husband sometimes reaches. . . strange levels. Adam Sandler has been opposite some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, as his on-screen love interests include the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Salma Hayek, Drew Barrymore, and Jessica Biel.
While many may assume that this may inspire a bit of jealousy for the comedian’s wife, this is far from reality. In fact, Jackie Sandler has coached her husband from the sidelines on how to be a better on-screen loverboy.
Emma Fuhrmann in a Shoshanna dress, Jerome C. Rousseau heels, and XIV Karat and EF Collection jewels, with her co-star Adam Sandler at the Los Angeles premiere of “Blended” at the TCL Chinese Theatre on May 21, 2014, in Hollywood, California (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Adam recalled a scene in Murder Mystery where he had to kiss Jennifer Aniston, and although his wife was present, the comedian says it wasn’t weird at all. “The only awkward part is hearing my wife on the side go, ‘Harder! Kiss her harder! Deeper!’”
While speaking with Access Hollywood, he disclosed, “Jennifer is one of my closest friends and Jackie’s closest friends. So, she’s like ‘Would you give Jennifer some sort of good time with that kiss please?'”
Another instance of Jackie Sandler’s sometimes overzealous support occurred while Adam was on set with Drew Barrymore for the movie 50 First Dates.
The comedian says that after an intimate scene between him and Barrymore, he felt confident that he had done a convincing job of playing up the on-screen couple’s chemistry.
Adam Sandler’s wife taught him how to kiss his Murder Mystery co-star Jennifer Aniston (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
However, he looked over and saw Jackie shaking her head. When Adam asked what was wrong, she replied, “Just please, for the sake of women, get in there and just look a little more alive.”
The Sandlers say that the secret to their long-lived relationship is simple: making time for one another.
In a cover story for AARP The Magazine, Adam revealed, “Jackie and I like spending time with each other. We try to make each other laugh, try to listen, try to include each other, try to support each other. We try our best — that’s all. And we don’t ever think of not being together. We always talk about our future together.”
That and making sure your wife approves of all your romance scenes!
Jennifer Hudson and Adam Sandler Team Up for Sandy Wexler
Jennifer Hudson portrays singer Courtney Clarke in the Netflix film Sandy Wexler (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
In April 2017, Jennifer Hudson attended the ‘Sandy Wexler premiere at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome in Hollywood.
“I remember Adam and Steven Brill, the director, saying it’s kind of like a comedic version of The Bodyguard, in a way,” Jennifer told ABC about the main influence on her performance. In the movie, she plays an aspiring singer in 1990s Hollywood named Courtney Clarke
“And you definitely feel the sentiment of Whitney throughout the film, even with the song ‘DJ,’ it kind of has more of a ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ or ‘My Name is Not Susan’ type of vibe to it. And even my style — Whitney was a huge reference for a lot of the looks for Courtney in the film.”
Jennifer Hudson squeezed into a tiny long-sleeve magenta dress with an asymmetrical hem (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
She stars with Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Terry Crews, Rob Schneider, Colin Quinn, Nick Swardson, Lamorne Morris, and Arsenio Hall in the 2017 American comedy film released on Netflix on April 14, 2017.
Jennifer Hudson wearing a magenta Givenchy dress at the premiere of ‘Sandy Wexler’ held at ArcLight Cinemas Cinerama Dome in Hollywood on April 6, 2017 (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The then-35-year-old American singer, actress, and spokesperson sported a long sleeve mini dress from Givenchy featuring an asymmetrical hem.
Jennifer Hudson posing with her co-star Adam Sandler (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
The Respect actress styled the ill-fitting magenta dress with a selection of rings and showed off her feet in towering stiletto ankle-strap heels that revealed multiple foot corns.
Jennifer Hudson displays her toes and size 8 (US) feet (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)
Do you think she should have worn a pair of pumps instead? Don’t miss our guide on easing foot pain from wearing high heels.
The ‘American Idol’ star showing off her corny feet in black ankle-strap heels (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)