Ariana Grande & Adam Sandler on Wicked, The Waterboy and Actors on Actors
#ariana_grande #adam_sandler #wicked #the_waterboy #actors_on_actors
Wicked Bonds and Waterboy Wisdom
Ariana Grande and Adam Sandler recently shared heartfelt insights in Variety and CNN’s ‘Actors on Actors,’ diving into their upcoming projects and mutual admiration. Grande opened up about her emotional journey on ‘Wicked: For Good,’ revealing how she had to passionately advocate for her role and even sang both Glinda and Elphaba’s parts in her first audition. The conversation highlighted her vulnerability as a performer, especially when it comes to crying on cue and sustaining big emotional moments across multiple takes.
Comedy, Connection and Shared Craft
Sandler, known for his comedic brilliance in films like ‘The Waterboy,’ connected with Grande over their shared love of humor and authentic acting. They discussed the challenge of staying present and truthful in wide shots and close-ups alike, praising each other’s mastery. Their candid exchange revealed not just professional respect, but a genuine friendship rooted in family, music, and the magic of making people laugh and feel.
About the People Mentioned
Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur born on June 26, 1993, in Boca Raton, Florida. She first gained public attention as an actress playing Cat Valentine on the Nickelodeon TV series *Victorious* (2010–13) and its spin-off *Sam & Cat* (2013–14). Her early career also included Broadway, notably starring in the musical *13* in 2008[3][4]. Transitioning from acting to music, Grande released her debut album *Yours Truly* in 2013, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and established her as a prominent pop and R&B artist. She followed this with a series of successful albums, including *My Everything* (2014), *Dangerous Woman* (2016), *Sweetener* (2018), *Thank U, Next* (2019), *Positions* (2020), and *Eternal Sunshine* (2024). Her music is noted for her impressive vocal range and blending of pop, R&B, and trap influences. Grande has earned multiple Grammy Awards, with *Sweetener* winning her first Grammy and *Thank U, Next* producing Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles like "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings"[1][2]. In addition to music, Grande has acted in films such as the political satire *Don't Look Up* (2021) and starred as Glinda in the 2024 film adaptation of the musical *Wicked*, earning her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for her performance[1][2]. She is one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 90 million records sold, and has received numerous accolades including multiple American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Guinness World Records[2]. Beyond entertainment, Grande is known for her advocacy on mental health, LGBTQ+ rights, and social equality. She launched a successful cosmetics brand, R.E.M. Beauty, in 2021 and has a significant presence on social media, ranking among the most-followed individuals on Instagram[2]. Her personal life has included her marriage to Dalton Gomez from 2021 until their divorce in 2024[3][5].
Adam Sandler
Adam Sandler is a renowned American actor, comedian, and filmmaker born on September 9, 1966. He began his career in the late 1980s, initially appearing on TV shows like "The Cosby Show" and "Remote Control" before joining "Saturday Night Live" (SNL) in 1990 as a writer and later as a cast member. During his time on SNL, Sandler created memorable characters and songs, such as "The Chanukah Song," which helped establish his comedic style[3][4]. Sandler's film career took off after leaving SNL in 1995. He starred in a series of successful comedies, including "Billy Madison," "Happy Gilmore," "The Waterboy," and "The Wedding Singer," which cemented his status as a Hollywood star[1][3]. His production company, Happy Madison Productions, founded in 1999, has produced many of his films and projects for other comedians[4]. Sandler has also ventured into dramatic roles, earning critical acclaim for performances in "Punch-Drunk Love" (2002) and "Uncut Gems" (2019)[5][6]. In recent years, Sandler has continued to produce and star in films, including "Murder Mystery" (2019) and "Hubie Halloween" (2020). He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2023, recognizing his contributions to comedy[1][6]. Sandler has been married to Jackie Sandler since 2003, and they have two daughters together[2]. His versatility as both a comedic and dramatic actor has kept him relevant in the entertainment industry for nearly three decades.
About the Organizations Mentioned
Variety
Variety is a leading U.S. entertainment trade magazine that has been at the forefront of the media industry for over a century. Founded in 1905, Variety has evolved from its origins as a weekly newspaper focused on vaudeville and theater to become a comprehensive source of news, analysis, and insights into the global entertainment business. **What Variety Does:** Variety covers a wide range of topics, including film, television, music, theater, and digital media. It provides in-depth reporting on industry trends, technological innovations, and business strategies. The organization also hosts events like the Entertainment and Technology Summit, which brings together top executives and creatives to discuss the latest developments in entertainment technology and innovation[2]. **History and Key Achievements:** Variety has a rich history of chronicling the evolution of the entertainment industry. It has been instrumental in documenting significant shifts, from the rise of Hollywood to the current digital streaming era. One of its notable achievements is the development of the Variety Intelligence Platform (VIP), which offers data-driven insights to media businesses, helping them navigate the complex media landscape[1]. **Current Status and Notable Aspects:** Today, Variety continues to be a vital source of information for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. It maintains a strong online presence, with a website and social media channels that provide up-to-date news and analysis. The organization's events, such as the Entertainment and Technology Summit, highlight its role in fostering dialogue and innovation within the industry[2]. Additionally, Variety's recognition of achievements through awards like the Entrepreneur Impact Award underscores its commitment to celebrating excellence in the entertainment sector[2]. Variety's influence extends beyond traditional media, as it explores emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality, which are reshaping the entertainment landscape. Through its comprehensive coverage and events, Variety remains a key player in shaping the future of the entertainment industry.
CNN
**CNN (Cable News Network)** is a pioneering 24-hour cable news channel founded by media mogul Ted Turner and launched on June 1, 1980. It revolutionized television news by providing continuous, live news coverage worldwide, breaking from the traditional scheduled news broadcasts prevalent at the time[1][3][4][5]. CNN's headquarters are in Atlanta, Georgia, where it remains a major hub for news production. **History and Growth:** CNN was born from Ted Turner’s vision to create the first all-news channel, despite skepticism from industry professionals. Starting with a modest team and resources, it grew rapidly, expanding its reach through cable, satellite, and digital platforms. In 1982, CNN introduced CNN2 (later HLN), the first news channel to use a "wheel" schedule, and in 1985 launched CNN International to serve global audiences[1][4][6]. The network gained significant prominence during events like the 1991 Persian Gulf War, offering real-time battlefield coverage that established CNN as a trusted news source[3][6]. CNN’s website, CNN.com, launched in 1995, was among the first major news websites, marking its early embrace of digital news delivery[6]. **Ownership and Business Evolution:** In 1996, CNN became part of Time Warner (later WarnerMedia), and subsequently Warner Bros. Discovery, reflecting its integration into a major media conglomerate[1][2][6]. The network has adapted to changing media landscapes, including cost-cutting measures announced in 2022 but maintaining a commitment to longform and investigative content[1]. **Key Achievements:** CNN is credited with shaping modern journalism through its live, around-the-clock news coverage and global bureaus. It has earned numerous awards for its reporting and has influenced the creation of similar 24-hour news channels. Its notable anchors and correspondents, such as Bernard Shaw and Christiane Amanpour, have contributed to its authoritative reputation[1]
