Adam Sandler, widely celebrated for his comedic brilliance, has built a thriving Hollywood career that began with his memorable stint on Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1995. Known for his quirky humor and musical skits, Sandler transitioned seamlessly into film, delivering a string of comedy hits including Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and 50 First Dates. Alongside the laughs, he often brought a surprising touch of romance to the screen, especially in his frequent collaborations with actresses like Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston. Yet, the most touching and enduring love story in Sandler’s life is his real-life romance with his wife, Jacqueline “Jackie” Sandler, whom he met over two decades ago on the set of one of his films.

Born in 1966 in Brooklyn, New York, Sandler moved to New Hampshire during his childhood and eventually pursued acting at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1988. His early career saw appearances on The Cosby Show and his film debut in Going Overboard. His big break came when he joined SNL as a writer in 1990, quickly becoming a fan favorite with his offbeat characters and comedic songs. Though he was let go from the show in 1995 during a cast overhaul, Sandler would later return triumphantly to host in 2019, earning praise and even an Emmy nomination for a heartfelt tribute to his late friend Chris Farley.

The 1990s proved to be a defining era for Sandler, as he racked up a series of box office successes and established himself as a leading man in comedy. In 1999, he founded his own production company, Happy Madison, which produced Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo—the film where he first met Jackie, then a model and aspiring actress. Over the years, Happy Madison became a hub for many of Sandler’s closest friends and collaborators, including Chris Rock, Kevin James, and David Spade. As the years progressed, Sandler expanded his repertoire, striking a major deal with Netflix in 2014 and branching into more dramatic territory with critically acclaimed performances in films like The Meyerowitz Stories and Uncut Gems.

Although Uncut Gems brought Sandler significant critical acclaim, it was notably overlooked during awards season, prompting an outpouring of support from fans and peers alike. Jennifer Aniston publicly praised his performance as “extraordinary,” and David Spade likened Sandler’s frequent collaborations with his friends to the team spirit of the Golden State Warriors. Drew Barrymore, another longtime friend and co-star, also expressed her admiration for Sandler’s talent and loyalty, underscoring the deep bonds he has cultivated throughout his career.

At the center of Sandler’s life and success is his enduring relationship with Jackie. After meeting during the filming of Big Daddy, the couple married in 2003 and have since built a strong and supportive partnership, both professionally and personally. Jackie has appeared in many of Sandler’s films and has been a key influence behind the scenes, even encouraging him to take on more serious roles. Together, they raise two daughters, Sadie and Sunny, and credit their long-lasting marriage to shared time, honesty, and humor. Sandler often expresses his affection for Jackie publicly, with touching anniversary posts and lighthearted stories about their life together, showing that behind the comedic persona is a devoted husband and family man.