Adam Sandler’s rise to fame is a true rags-to-riches story. Before becoming a household name, the comedian-actor had to hustle to make ends meet. While living in New York and waiting for opportunities in the industry, the actor had to find a way to earn money.
Most fans don’t know that Sandler used to sing- not on a stage, but in the subways. In an interview, the actor revealed that during his struggling days, he used to sing in the subways, busking for tips while waiting for auditions. Although he found that job humiliating, it also helped him chase his dreams.
From Subway to Studio: Adman Sandler’s Origin Story
Adam Sandler was born into a humble household in 1966; his mother was a nursery school teacher, while his father was an electrical engineer. His family’s modest means and strong work ethic instilled in him the values of hard work.
In an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, on being asked by the host about his ‘subway busking days’, Sandler recalled it amusingly.
I used to sing in the subways.
It all started when Sandler’s father gave him an ultimatum: get a job or return home. After some trials-and-errors, where he even got fired from a job at a drugstore, he started the gig of busking in the subways.
I said, ‘I’ll sing in the subways’. He [his father] said, ‘How much you make doing that?. I said, ‘I don’t know. Let me give it a shot’.
With his guitar in hand, Sandler would perform for those passing by, singing sad songs that often elicited groans rather than applause. Eventually, this decision paid off, and the actor became the beloved comedian we see on the screen today.
Lessons from the past: a story of endurance
The Happy Gilmore actor claimed that the job was humiliating, but not because of the nature of the job but because of his lack of talent. He told Fallon that he would pick sad songs, unable to carry the tune, which would ultimately annoy people.
It was humiliating because I wasn’t great at it, but I would literally walk with my guitar case, walk in.
People would be looking at me like, ‘What are you doing? Why are you making us so upset?’
Despite his apparent lack of musical talent, he persevered, earning enough money to stay in the city. Looking back, he realized that the humbling experience taught him a valuable lesson: not to give up.
I’d go to, like, to the R train or to the A or to C or whatever, show up, and walk downstairs. People would be there, kind of waiting to get on the train.
All that grind helped him earn his right to stay on track and keep fighting for a role in Hollywood. His stand-ups, petty jobs, and hard work are what brought us the comedy genius we admire today.
Sandler’s subway singing days might be behind him, but the memories he made during that time stayed with him. That toil, coupled with his family’s influence and support, did play a significant role in his journey. Fans adore the actor and can learn a thing or two about perseverance through this story.
