Longtime Manager for Adam Sandler and Brillstein Entertainment Partner Sandy Wernick Dies at 86

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sanford "Sandy" Wernick, a longtime talent manager for clients including Adam Sandler and a senior executive VP at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, died on Thursday at the age of 86 in Rancho Mirage, California. Wernick signed Sandler as a client when the actor was just 22 years old, before he appeared on "Saturday Night Live," and Wernick's career spanned decades in the entertainment industry as a manager, producer, and executive.

Why it matters

Wernick was a highly respected figure in Hollywood, known for his work as a talent manager and producer on numerous successful TV shows and films. His passing marks the end of an era for the entertainment industry, as he was instrumental in launching and guiding the careers of many prominent actors, writers, and other creatives.

The details

At Brillstein, Wernick was involved in personal management, TV and motion picture packaging and producing. He started in the business as an agent, working his way up from the MCA mailroom to VP of the TV division at ICM. In addition to co-creating and executive producing "Def Comedy Jam," he was integral to packaging and producing shows including "Saturday Night Live," "The Muppet Show," "The Sopranos," and many others. Wernick also served as executive producer on feature films like "Happy Gilmore," "Billy Madison," and "The Wedding Singer."

• Wernick died on Thursday, March 6, 2026.
• Wernick signed Adam Sandler as a client when Sandler was 22 years old, before he appeared on "Saturday Night Live."