Apatow Recalls Sandler's SNL Breakthrough, Leaving Him Alone in Apartment

In the lead-up to the release of his new memoir "Comedy Nerd: A Lifelong Obsession in Stories and Pictures" in October 2025, acclaimed director and producer Judd Apatow is taking a trip down memory lane. Apatow, now 57 years old, is reminiscing about his close friendship and shared experiences with fellow comedian Adam Sandler, 59, during their early days in Hollywood.

The two were roommates in the late 1980s, with their sole focus being on honing their comedy skills. Apatow recalls how they would spend their days writing jokes and performing at the local improv at night, with no other responsibilities to distract them. It was during this time that Sandler auditioned for and landed a coveted writing job on the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live in 1990.

Apatow remembers the moment vividly, sharing, "One day he said, 'I'm going to go audition for Saturday Night Live'. And then the next day he said, 'I got it'. Then he left me alone in the apartment." Sandler's big break marked a significant turning point, as he went on to become a cast member on SNL from 1991 to 1995, launching his rise to stardom.

Despite the bittersweet moment of Sandler leaving their shared apartment, Apatow always knew his friend was destined for greatness. "We all knew Adam was going to make it. He was just remarkably funny to be around and had so much charisma. So we all thought it's going to happen. We just are interested to see how it's going to happen. And then it did," Apatow reflects.