Sandy Wernick, who served as the longtime manager of Adam Sandler, passed away on March 5 at the age of 86, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
He died after a “brief illness, surrounded by his family and loved ones,” a family representative told the outlet
Wernick is survived by his wife of 64 years Barbara, as well as his daughter Michele, son Barry, daughter-in-law Jillian, grandson Sammy, sister Joyce, brother-in-law Jules, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Look At Sandy Wernick’s Incredible Career
Wernick represented many others in the industry along with Sandler, including Tim Herlihy, John Davies, Akira (Leo) Yoshimura, Lorne Michaels, Ray Klausen, Don Mischer, Stan Lathan, Jeff Ross, Marilyn Wilson, Marty Pasetta, Victor Levin, Buz Kohan, Colin Quinn, Rob Schneider, Norm Crosby, Peter Falk and Alexandra Pelosi.
He also served as an producer on numerous top shows, which includes “Saturday Night Live.” “The Muppet Show,” “The Sopranos,” “Politically Incorrect,” “Just Shoot Me,” “NewsRadio,” Alf,” “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Rules of Engagement,” “The Goldbergs,” “The Jim Gaffigan Show” and “Buffalo Bill.” Wernick co-created “Def Comedy Jam.”
As for some of Sandler’s top movies, Wernick was an executive producer on “Billy Madison” (1995), “Happy Gilmore” (1996), “Bulletproof” (1996), and “The Wedding Singer” (1998).
Along with his work as a manager and producer, Wernick served as an adjunct professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Peter Stark Producing Program for years, as well as volunteering in the Cedars Sinai emergency room. The Hollywood Reporter states that “in his free time, he liked to golf and was also a former yo-yo champion.”
Adam Sandler’s Movie ‘Sandy Wexler’ Was Inspired By Sandy Wernick
Sandler’s relationship with Wernick dates back to the beginning of the comedian’s career, as Wernick signed him at 22, three years before he started on “Saturday Night Live.”
The two had a special bond, so much so, that Sandler’s movie “Sandy Wexler” was inspired by Wernick.
The movie was set in Los Angeles in 1994, where Sandler portrayed a talent manager trying to launch the career of a singer played by Jennifer Hudson. Wernick made a cameo in the movie, and during an appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien to promote the film, he spoke about why this movie was so special.
“This guy Sandy, he’s like my family, and I love him more than anything, and he’s a very sweet guy,” the comedian said. “He’s a great man. And he’s been with me since I’m a young boy.”
