Happy Birthday, Sandman! Top Five Reasons You Should Love Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler turned 48 years old on September 9. He has been entertaining his fans for almost 30 years. I personally remember his start as Smitty on The Cosby Show, and  as Stud Boy on MTV’s Remote Control, both occurring in 1987. In the last 27 years he has accomplished so much -- stand-up comedian, SNL cast member, musician, and huge movie star.  I’m here to tell you the top five reasons you should love him.

5. Musical Talent

If you only know Adam Sandler for his movies, you are missing so much more in your Sandler experience. He is quite a talented musician and singer. You will find most of his music from Saturday Night Live skits or his CDs comical, but if you look deeper, you’ll find well-written lyrics and a surprisingly good voice. His best example of this is the song “Listenin’ to the Radio” on 1997’s What's Your Name? album. His love for 1970's and 80's rock, comedic talent and heart really lend to him being great musician in his own way.

4. Soft Side

Adam Sandler will forever be known as a comedic actor. However, there are those few times that he steps out of his comfort zone to try something different. Sometimes it might be a miss, as in Punch Drunk Love, but other times he knocks it out of the park, as in Reign Over Me.  With one of my favorite movie scenes of all time, it’s that moment one can become overwhelmed with emotion.  For me, it was the moment I realized Adam Sandler could do anything to which he set his mind.

3. Comedy

His style of comedy makes him stand above the rest. The closest I can describe Adam Sandler is one part slapstick, one part poop joke, one part expressive/reactive humor, and a dash of current events knowledge. He can make you laugh without having to think, which my inner child loves.  Or, he can tie into other entertainment outlets, and make you laugh at the connection, which is good for my inner teenager.  It’s safe to say I have tried to adapt Mr. Sandler’s comedic style as my own.

2. Humility

Adam Sandler is quick witted. He is fast to deliver a joke or insult to one of his friends, but in addition to that, he is not afraid to direct that same humor inward. He puts himself out there on the humor chopping block, if you will. There is something to be said about someone who is secure enough to point the laughing finger at themselves. It speaks volumes to his character, and shows you it okay to laugh at yourself from time to time. Being able to laugh at yourself is good twofold.  It helps you realize you're not perfect and don't have to be, making it a little harder for your would-be critics to attack you.

1. Loyalty

From MTV to mega movie star, Adam Sandler has always surrounded himself with friends on his projects. Take for example Colin Quinn, who was with him on Remote Control in 1987, was also with him in Grown Ups 2 last year.  It doesn’t matter how big of a star they are.  Whether it be Allen Covert who is in every Happy Madison (Sandler’s film company) production, or Kevin James, already a big name before befriending Sandler, Adam Sandler takes care of his friends and keeps them close. It's my wish to have more to help more, and Adam Sandler is my inspiration. That is why he should be loved.