Adam Sandler's Dad Was a Tough Man and Put His Family First - All about Stanley Sandler's Life

Adam Sandler, one of the entertainment industry's most-known comedians and actors, has appeared in popular films. Adam Sandler's dad, Stanley Sandler, greatly influenced his son.

American actor and comedian Adam Sandler, and his father, Stanley Sandler, had quite a close bond. His dad influenced Adam's personal and professional life and used his father as a reference for one of his characters.

He never forgets his dad and often speaks about him during interviews. Adam also follows his father's advice and keeps his memory alive by remembering him every year on Father's Day.

Stanley Sandler Was Born in New York City

Stanley Sandler was born in New York City on April 5, 1935. His parents were Philip Sandler and Anna Eva Friedman Sandler. He worked as an electrical engineer and lived for a long time in his hometown, New York.

He moved with his family to Manchester, New Hampshire, in the early 70s when his son Adam was five. Stanley lived there until he died at 68 on September 9, 2003, the exact date his youngest child, Adam, was born. Stanley's cause of death was lung cancer.

Adam spoke about his childhood and dad in 2020 and revealed how close he was with Stanley. He said he had a great childhood and his dad coached his Little League teams. The comedian said his father kept him humble, was supportive, and often calls him his hero.

He opened up about his father's death during an interview with the Independent in 2006. He said that despite the things life has thrown at him, he still enjoyed life and was happy to be alive.

For Stanley Sandler, the Family Came First

Stanley Sandler was married to Judith Sandler, a teacher at a nursery school, until his death. Together, they had four children; two sons, Scott and Adam, and two daughters, Valerie and Elizabeth. Only their son Adam connected his life with the world of entertainment.

Adam Sandler's dad was a good father. He made his children laugh, and Adam was glad to hear his footsteps, as he expressed in his Father's Day tribute to his dad on Instagram. Adam said his siblings felt the same about his dad, and so did his wife, Jackie.

In an Instagram post from June 2019, Stanley's son shared an image of him and his father on Instagram. Adam revealed in the caption that Stanley was the best father he could ask for and that he "always put his family first."

Even though Stanley is not an actor, he supported his son and voiced the character in his animated film "Eight Crazy Nights." Stanley's character was the father of the main character, Davey, whom Adam voiced himself.

Stanley's son shared more details about his family in his biography titled "Adam Sandler America's Comedian." He revealed in the book how close he was to his immediate family and his grandparents. Adam praised his mother's cooking, sharing that she made "the best lasagne."

The filmmaker's parents moved to Manchester, New Hampshire, to have a good life in New England, and Adam said he's always happy when he's there. He started school there and attended his first grade at Manchester's Webster Elementary. Despite explaining to his mother, Judy, that he wasn't cut out for first grade, his mom took him back to school.

Stanley and his lastborn enjoyed watching classic comedies and movies, especially horror films. Adam Sandler's dad allowed his son to do whatever he wanted and liked the stuff he enjoyed.

Stanley's older children pursued various professions. His son Scott is a lawyer, his daughter Elizabeth became a dentist, and Valerie is a food industry executive. His younger son Adam became an entertainer; he left New Hampshire in 1984 for New York University and sought fame.

Adam Sandler's Father Gave Him Good Advice

In an interview from September 2022 with AARP, Adam said Stanley was a strong man who gave important advice to his son. He told Adam that he could not always be happy and that people wouldn't always like him.

Adam also revealed in 2016 on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" how his dad talked him out of joining the military. His father also influenced him when he played in the movie "Hustle." He said in an interview with ET Canada in June 2022:

"I was just doing my real-life dad when he used to coach my teams growing up... He'd push you, but then he'd also say like, 'Alright, I see my kid's about to snap, let me pull back a little bit.'"

Adam Sandler Recalls His Father Years After His Death

Adam Sandler never forgets about his father. He booked his father's favorite musician, Leon Redbone, to sing at his wedding. Adam treated his dad to a live performance from the singer to thank him after he promised to make it to his wedding. In early 2004, Adam gave a musical tribute to his dad by performing the song titled "Stan the Man."

He remembers him every year on Father's Day. The actor also had a special dedication to his father's memory at the end of the 2004 film "50 First Dates." He called his father a mentor, coach, teacher, idol, and hero, and further said:

"...My family's leader, my mom's best friend, and by far the coolest guy I will have ever known. We will miss you every day, but we will always try to make you proud."

Adam Sandler Tries to Be a Good Father Himself

Now that Adam is a father, he tries to be a good dad. He's a hands-on dad and often has lunch with his kids. He told the Huff Post in 2014 that his kids give him "the most joy" and revealed how he does his share in raising them. He said ensuring that everyone in his family is OK is "the most important thing," and he always wants his kids to be happy.

Adam Sandler is a father to two lovely daughters, he and his wife Jackie, named Sadie Madison and Sunny Madeline. Adam and Jackie married in 2003 after meeting in 1999. Sadie and Sunny were born about two years apart. Sadie was born on May 6, 2006, and her dad once mentioned that he was nervous when Sadie was born. His second child, Sunny, was born on November 2, 2008.