by Adam Sandler rose to fame in the 1990s for his juvenile comedic roles in movies like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and The Waterboy. Known for his goofy on-screen persona, many were surprised when Sandler settled down with wife Jackie Titone and started a family. Over the past two decades, Sandler has opened up in interviews about his experiences as a devoted father. His comments reveal a sensitive and thoughtful side that his fans rarely see.
Becoming a First-Time Dad
Sandler married Titone in 2003, and they welcomed their first daughter Sadie in 2006. In an interview with People Magazine, Sandler discussed how parenthood had changed his outlook:
“Everything is different now. Every minute I’m thinking about her. You glance at the newspaper or magazine and see bad stuff going on and you get tears in your eyes because you don’t want Sadie dealing with that stuff. You want to protect her.”
He went on to say that having a child put everything into perspective for him and made him want to be a better person.
Sandler admitted that balancing his film career and fatherhood was challenging at times. But he felt it was important to maximize the time spent with his daughter.
“When you’re shooting, you feel guilty for leaving every morning. You’re like, ‘What am I doing? I should be with her.’ But as they get a little older, you talk yourself into it. ‘I’m going to work so that we can take trips together, have a house she likes and things she can do.’”
The Joys of Raising Daughters
In 2011, Sandler and Titone welcomed their second daughter, Sunny. Sandler spoke warmly about getting to raise two beautiful girls.
“I definitely wanted girls. I grew up with sisters and my mom and dad really liked each other, so I figured I want girls like my sisters,” he told Access Hollywood.
He went on to describe how watching his daughters grow up gave him a newfound appreciation for life.
“Everything is magnified now. The highs are way higher and the lows are way lower. Everything feels 10 times better or 10 times worse than before.”
Sandler has frequently been spotted doting on his daughters in public. From school drop-offs to dance recitals, it’s clear he cherishes being involved in their lives.
In an interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Sandler revealed the personalities of his two girls:
“Sadie is the performer of the family, she’s my little actress…and Sunny, she’s the artistic one. What a beautiful little artist she is.”
He jokingly added that being surrounded by females all the time meant he got bossed around a lot, but he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Putting Family First
After decades in the spotlight, Sandler has learned to carefully balance his career and family life. He is highly selective about the films he works on, ensuring his children remain the top priority.
In an interview with Reuters, he explained his rationale:
“When I’m shooting movies, I’m up very early and gone most of the day and when I get home I want to spend time with my wife and kids…I don’t want to say ‘no’ to my daughters and then have to go to work and make a movie. I won’t do that, I’ll make sure I see the kids and hang out with them.”
Sandler makes an effort to incorporate his daughters into his work life too. Both Sadie and Sunny have appeared in minor roles in several of his films like Grown Ups, Just Go With It, and Pixels. He says being on set together allows them to bond during the busy work schedule.
The protective father also admitted he has some concerns about his daughters entering show business one day. But above all, he just wants them to be happy.
“Look, I want my girls to be happy, healthy, enjoy themselves, work hard, have fun, all that stuff. If they want to work in the arts, great. I got my fingers crossed that they would find something else to do, to be honest with you.”
Lessons Learned as a Dad
In various interviews over the years, Sandler has been asked about the most important lessons he’s learned from raising kids. The comedian always offers earnest and thoughtful responses.
On an episode of Live with Kelly and Ryan he explained:
“I’ve learned that they deserve the best dad and the best attitude from their dad and patience…I’ve learned how to really be nice and respectful to my daughters and wife, and that makes life so much easier.”
He also told People Magazine that trying to constantly improve as a parent has made him “more understanding and more grateful for everything I have.”
Sandler says fatherhood has taught him not to sweat the small stuff anymore. His daughters help him keep life in perspective.
Hopes for the Future
As his daughters grow older, Sandler often reflects on his dreams for their futures. More than anything, he hopes they will find fulfillment.
In an interview with Canadian Living he stated:
“I just want my kids to be happy. I want them to figure out what they want to do with their lives. I don’t really care what it is, as long as they’re happy doing it.”
He also confided that he hopes they retain their positive outlook on life as they get older:
“You want to hold onto that laugh forever. You want them to stay optimistic…You just want them to find something they enjoy doing.”
Over the years, Sandler has proven himself to be both a goofy comedy icon and a thoughtful, dedicated father. His comments reveal a side of himself he rarely shows on screen.
Though he became famous playing childish characters, off-screen Sandler has matured into a devoted family man. His daughters mean everything to him and it’s clear he cherishes his role as their father.
Sandler’s experiences speak to the transformative power of parenthood. Though he’s faced challenges balancing stardom and fatherhood, he remains committed to creating the best life possible for his girls.
As they grow up, Sandler will undoubtedly continue to be a constant source of love and support. His words make it clear Sadie and Sunny are his proudest achievement.
