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Throughout history, there have been many examples of various people in various professions being told to quit before they even begin their careers. You know, the Tom Bradys of the world, the sixth-round draft picks who go on to become Hall of Famers, yada yada yada.
Whether it’s because they’re late bloomers or because those who are guiding them don’t have the eye for potential, there are hundreds of examples of influential people who were once discouraged from doing the very thing that makes them great. And apparently, Adam Sandler is one of those people.
Speaking to Brad Pitt in a sit-down one-on-one as part of Variety‘s “Actors on Actors” series, Sandler confirmed that an acting coach one sat him down and told him to begin considering another profession.
As we now know, Sandler ultimately ignored that advice, breaking through into the mainstream with Saturday Night Live and going on to mastermind a film career that would make him worth more than $400 million dollars. Not only has Sandler put together a wildly profitable acting career, but he’s actually proved to have legitimate chops at various stages in his filmography, especially this year, as he’s expected to be nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in Uncut Gems.
Not too shabby for a dude whose teacher never had faith in him.
“This is my favorite Adam Sandler story that I heard from Bennett Miller,” Pitt told Sandler, referring to the director of Capote and Moneyball. “It was that you were at NYU, and it was an acting coach, I believe.” Sandler corrected him: “Acting professor.” Pitt continued, “And he said to you, ‘I want to take you out for a beer.’ This is what I’m told. You guys went to a bar, and he kindly said to you: ‘Think about something else. You have to choose another path.’ Truth?” Truth, Sandler confirmed, but Pitt wasn’t finished:
“There’s a second part to this story. This is why it’s my favorite Adam Sandler story, and I think it says a lot about you. That you ran into him at your height, when you’re getting the ultimate payday, and you’re with a bunch of friends, out at a bar. Anyone would think that’s the opportunity where you rub it in his face. And reportedly, what you did was you introduced him to your friends, and you said: ‘This is the only teacher to ever buy me a beer.’ True? [via Uproxx]
Just imagine being so bad at your job that you looked at one of the most successful actors of a generation and told him to pack it in? Couldn’t be me.
If you want to check out the entire 50minute sit-down with Brad Pitt and Adam Sandler — which is definitely worth the watch — head over to Variety.
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Eric is a New York City-based writer who still isn’t quite sure how he’s allowed to have this much fun for a living and will tell anyone who listens that Gotham City is canonically in New Jersey. Contact him on Twitter @eric_ital or via email eric@brobible.com