The two very talented Hollywood actors, Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler, had the unique opportunity to interview each other back in 2019 on Variety’s Actors on Actors. During this engaging conversation, they shared numerous captivating stories that only a skilled interviewer could extract from their subjects.
In one particular instance, Brad Pitt revealed a compelling tale from Sandler’s early days. The way this story unfolded made the people remind themselves once more exactly why they love Sandler so much.
Adam Sandler’s Acting Professor Advised Him Not to Pursue Acting
The actor, Adam Sandler people now know and love, especially due to his acting talents and fashion sense, was once an unknown in the industry, hoping to make it big. It’s true that Adam Sandler doesn’t particularly fit the traditional ‘hero’ mold, but that doesn’t mean he can’t play those roles.
Be it romance, action, or drama, over time, the actor has proven that he is one of the best. So when his acting professor politely suggested he quit acting, Sandler decided to follow his heart.
During their Variety conversation, star Brad Pitt brought up a fascinating story about Sandler. Having started in the industry around the same time, the two share a unique bond. Thus, when Pitt decided to share his “favorite Adam Sandler story,” it captivated the audience. He stated,
“It was that you were at NYU, and it was an acting coach, I believe,–And he said to you, ‘I want to take you out for a beer.’ This is what I’m told. You guys went to a bar, and he kindly said to you: ‘Think about something else. You have to choose another path.’ Truth?”
While attending NYU, Sandler had an encounter with a teacher who genuinely cared about him and his passion for acting. Thus, the teacher was considerate enough to be honest with Sandler about the situation.
Instead of humiliating the actor, the professor chose to have an open conversation with him over a beer, suggesting that he change his course. However, what Sandler did after made the story even more interesting.
This Is What Adam Sandler Did When He Bumped Into His Professor Again
Certainly, Sandler didn’t heed the teacher’s advice, instead, he tirelessly worked to prove him wrong. But that’s not all, when Sandler encountered the professor again during his prime, it provided the perfect opportunity for him to stage a comeback, showcasing just how mistaken the teacher had been. But instead, as Pitt continued saying,
“There’s a second part to this story, this is why it’s my favourite Adam Sandler story, and I think it says a lot about you.—That you ran into him at your height, when you’re getting the ultimate payday, and you’re with a bunch of friends, out at a bar. Anyone would think that’s the opportunity where you rub it in his face. And reportedly, what you did was you introduced him to your friends, and you said: ‘This is the only teacher to ever buy me a beer.’ True?”
This is what made Adam Sandler the star he is today, instead of humiliating his teacher in front of everyone, he remembered the teacher’s kindness as well, no matter how harsh the actual conversation was.
Therefore, he decided to reciprocate this kindness by introducing the teacher to his friend, saying, “This is the only teacher to ever buy me a beer.” Thus naturally when this story surfaced, people couldn’t help but admire Sandler for his humble nature.
Source: Variety
