Early Influences:
* SNL: His time on Saturday Night Live (SNL) was pivotal. Working alongside comedy giants like Chris Farley, Mike Myers, and Phil Hartman, Sandler learned to refine his characters, develop his improvisational skills, and understand the rhythm of sketch comedy.
* The Three Stooges: He has repeatedly cited the physical humor and slapstick of the Three Stooges as a major inspiration.
* Bill Cosby: Sandler has acknowledged Cosby's influence on his stand-up routines, particularly his focus on relatable characters and observational humor.
* Jerry Lewis: Sandler admires Lewis's manic energy and his ability to create characters who were both funny and endearing.
Other Influences:
* Indie Comedy: Sandler has incorporated elements of indie comedy, particularly the offbeat and absurdist humor of directors like Judd Apatow and Wes Anderson.
* Animated Films: His comedic timing and character voices often draw from his love of classic animated films like "Looney Tunes" and "Tom and Jerry."
Beyond Comedy:
* Music: Sandler's background as a musician (he played guitar and sang in a band) influences his comedic timing and his use of music in his films.
* Family: His upbringing in a Jewish family in Brooklyn provided material for his early stand-up routines and continues to influence his humor today.
In conclusion, Adam Sandler's comedic style is a unique blend of these influences, making it impossible to definitively state that one person or style influenced him more than others. He has absorbed the best of many different comedic traditions to create his own brand of humor.