From 'Saturday Night Live' to 'Big Daddy' : 16 Must-See Throwback Photos of Adam Sandler

Congrats Grad

In May 2020, Sandler posted a throwback photo from his high school graduation, sharing some wisdom with the class of 2020.

The actor and comedian wrote, "Hellooooo high school and college class of 2020. Holy cow. Way to go. You did it. You are officially smart. You worked hard and you deserve the respect. Sorry it's a rough time to be graduating, but you know what I did the night of my high school graduation? I sat at home with my parents and we all just stared at each other just like you're doing now. Then the fun began. Love you all. Congratulations. Enjoy it and get ready to go save the world. We need you."

He signed the note, "Love, The Sandman"

A Stand-Up Guy

Before making it big on Saturday Night Live, Sandler was a stand-up comic. In 1987, he did a set at the N.Y.C. club The Comic Strip.

Live From New York

He joined Saturday Night Live in 1990 as a writer, and was a cast member from 1991 to 1995.

Showing Off

Sandler wasn't afraid to strut his stuff on an episode of Saturday Night Live in 1991. He created plenty of memorable characters while on the show, like Opera Man and Pepper Boy.

Strumming at Our Heart Strings

We can't imagine why Sandler was fired from the show — a fact he pointed out when he hosted in 2019.

I mean, who wouldn't want young Adam Sandler on your television every Saturday night, singing hilarious tunes in their general direction?

Sing Out, Sandman

Sandler, known for his impressions and characters, also used his vocal abilities, penning funny songs for the show (and then writing and performing even more throughout his career).

Shock and Awe

Sandler looked appropriately starstruck getting a hug from Sandra Bullock at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.

Dynamic Trio

Sandler was close with castmates David Spade and the late Chris Farley. Who could forget these three playing the Gap Girls?

Best Buds

Farley died in December 1997, but Sandler continued to pay tribute to him for years to come, even performing a song about him while hosting SNL in 2019.

The Great Debate

In 1995, Sandler starred in Billy Madison and, TBH, because of this movie, we are still debating whether shampoo or conditioner is better.

Happy as Can Be

In 1996, Sandler starred in Happy Gilmore (and got punched in the face by Bob Barker).

I Wanna Grow Old With You

In 1998, Sandler starred alongside Drew Barrymore in The Wedding Singer, where he played an engaged wedding singer who falls in love with a bride-to-be.

Together Forever

The Wedding Singer would be the first of three films the pair would star in together — and Drew is dying to do another!

His Forever Girl

Sandler posted a sweet throwback of him with wife Jackie on Instagram in honor of the first time they met. The pair married in 2003.

Sandler captioned the photo, "22 years ago today we locked eyes and fell deep. Look forward to the next 22, young lady. Love you my forever girl."

Fictional Father

We spy the Sprouse twins, Dylan and Cole! The brothers starred alongside Sandler in the 1999 movie Big Daddy.

Slime Time Live

Sandler subjected himself to a big ol' sliming courtesy of the 2002 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards.