PERSONALITY PROFILE
By Erin Dionne
lust hanging out with my friends, whether it's riding around in
Jthe car or alone or whatever—we re always trying to make each
other laugh." That's how Adam Sandler gets his ideas for his goofy
characters and bizarre scripts. Some of his characters' memorable
traits, like lonely Nicky's speech impediment from his latest film, are
taken from his life. "My friend from high school talked like that."
Sandler says.
Steamtunnels trekked to Los Angeles for a sneak peek of Little
Nicky, and had a chance to talk to Sandler. Kevin Nealon (the
Gatekeeper). Patricia Arquette (Valerie). Alan Covert (Todd.
Sandler's roommate) and Stephen Brill the director. The film pre
miered on November 10th. It's the story of the dysfunctional family
from Hell — literally. Harvey Keitel plays Satan, ruler of all things fire
and brimstone. He has three sons: Cassius (Tommy "Tiny" Lister. Jr.).
Adrian (Rhys Ifans) and Nicky (Sandler). Satan's been ruling for
10.000 years and it's about time for retirement. However, he feels
that none of his sons are ready to take over, and decides to contin
ue his rule for another 10.000 years. With this decision, all hell
breaks loose in the family. Cassius and Adrian take off to create
their own hell on earth — New York City. When they leave, the gates
of Hell freeze over and Satan begins to deteriorate. Nicky must leave
and go to New York to bring his brothers back in order to save his
father and the world.
Family issues, often disguised as silly situations, populate most
of Sandler's work. The recent Big Daddy and films like Billy
Madison and The Wedding Singer, feature characters struggling
with their place in the family. Sandler grew up in Manchester. New
Hampshire, and draws on some of his own family experiences when
writing his characters. "My father's a nice guv, and we were writing
this character [Keitel's Satan] as strict, but nice to his kids — he
loves his kids,'' Sandler says. Sandler's own father is fair and strict,
but "he's a loving guy and his family came first and I think that's
what we re trying to do with Keitel.”
Little Nicky is true to the Sandler mold, featuring his trademark
sophomoric jokes and gross-out humor. But the film also explores
the idea that there's a little bit of good inside of everyone—even if
you're the son of the Devil.
DOB: September 9, 1966
College: B.F.A. from New York University
Pets: Meatball, a bulldog given to him by th4 dog trainer who
worked on Little Nicky.
Writing/Co-writing Credits: Billy Madison. Happy Gilmore. The
Wedding Singer (uncredited script work). The Waterboy. Big Daddy
(screenplay) and Little Nicky
Cot his start: His brother pushed him to do stand-up at a comedy
club in Boston: he was "discovered' by SNL star Dennis Miller while
working the clubs in L.A.
Fun fact: Had a recurring role on "The Cosby Show" as one of Theo
Huxtable’s friends.
SNL history: Was a writer first, then worked his way on to the. show
as characters such as Opera Man and Canteen Boy.
Down to earth: "I hang out with all the same people I always have. I
do my movies, hang out with my girlfriend, and work all the time. I -
have no time to be psychotic. My friends, my movies, my family are
most important to me."
Favorite flick: "Billy Madison. It's the first one I got to do. and it's
my mother’s favorite, too. I don't watch my own movies very often,
and I don t like seeing myself being 'nice' on screen." •
For the full interview, go to
www.ueamtu»p,®!$.net
and search using keywords
“Adam Sandler”