I was filled with trepidation before watching this Netflix in-depth interview because I have never really warmed to David Letterman. His long-running late-night show on NBC often had me rolling my eyes as he interrupted guests with smug, unfunny comments.
However, he seems to have mellowed, and this conversation with the Marmite Adam Sandler is good fun and surprisingly revealing mainly because Letterman stays out of the way and lets the engaging star shine.
Sandler’s career is on the rise again. He recently broke Netflix’s opening-weekend record with Happy Gilmore 2 and earned strong reviews for his role in Jay Kelly opposite George Clooney. The interview covers his early days on Saturday Night Live and his ability to shift effortlessly from broad comedy to heartfelt drama. Think the hilarious The Wedding Singer and the bittersweet Punch-Drunk Love.
Sandler shares some wonderful stories and offers real insight into his career. He comes across as an unaffected, gentle star who remains deeply connected to the things that matter. I loved how he talked about finishing a stand-up set and always referencing his family, proudly mentioning how much he loves them. It’s rare to see someone so successful stay so rooted.
I also enjoyed his complete lack of pretence when it comes to his dress sense he basically lives in gym wear and seems blissfully unbothered by it and the story about him playing 3-on-3 basketball with regular people before a show was an absolute highlight. It perfectly captures his down-to-earth charm.
There are emotional moments too. His recollection of bombing on stage in front of his father was both funny and touching, and I genuinely had a tear in my eye when he spoke about his friend Chris Farley, who was taken far too young. His honesty about the pressure of making the Happy Gilmore sequel and his fear of disappointing fans of this cult classic showed just how much he cares about the people who support him.
Letterman has more interviews lined up on Netflix, and I’ll be keeping an eye out for them. If you’re a fan of Adam Sandler or have any interest in the movie business, give this a go. It’s a gentle, heartwarming hour with a self-aware, humble star who, refreshingly, seems completely untouched by stardom.