Renowned comedian Adam Sandler is set to be honoured with the 2023 Mark Twain Prize for American Humour, which is one of the most prestigious awards in comedy. Sandler will receive his award in a gala ceremony scheduled to take place at the John F Kennedy Centre in Washington on March 19, 2023.

The comedian is receiving appreciation for his work in the recent Netflix film Hustle. Released in June, this basketball drama has bagged Sandler the Performer Tribute Award at the 32nd annual Gotham Awards in November.

Also Read | Henry Cavil will not be returning as Superman: All you need to know

Who is Adam Sandler?

Adam Sandler is an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer. He was born on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Judith was a nursery school teacher, and his father, Stanley Sandler was an electrical engineer. His family is Jewish and descends from Russian-Jewish immigrants on both sides. He grew up in Manchester, New Hampshire. 

Also Read | Who is Charlie Baker, Massachusetts Governor appointed as president of NCAA?

Sandler attended Machester Central High School. In 1988, he graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of Arts.

At the age of 17, he took his first step towards becoming a stand-up comedian when he spontaneously took the stage at a Boston comedy club. Sandler found he was a natural comedian. In 1991, he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from New York University. He nurtured his talent by performing regularly in clubs and at universities.

Also Read | Prince Harry blames media coverage for Meghan Markle’s miscarriage in 2020

Sandler has been married to Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler since 2003. The couple have two daughters, Sadie and Sunny. His wife and children often appear in his films.  

During his freshman year, Sandler bagged a recurring role as the Huxtable family’s friend Smitty on The Cosby Show. While working at a comedy club in Los Angeles, he was discovered by Dennis Miller, who recommended him to Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels.

Also Read | Yoel Roth, former Twitter executive, forced to flee home after growing threats post Elon Musk’s criticism

This led to him being cast in the show in 1990, which he also wrote for in addition to performing. After Saturday Night Live, Sandler worked in several hit comedies such as Airheads (1994), Happy Gilmore (1996), Billy Madison (1995), and Big Daddy (1999). He also starred in Mr. Deeds (alongside Winona Ryder), Eight Crazy Nights, and Punch-Drunk Love. He also writes and produces many of his films. Some of his songs are placed on the “Billboard” charts, including the classic “The Chanukah Song”. 

Also Read | Who is Isaiah Lee, 24-year-old sentenced for attacking Dave Chappelle on stage?

Sandler wrote and starred in the 2020 Netflix film Hubie Halloween. In 2022, he produced and starred in the sports drama film Hustle.