Adam Sandler Reveals Kathy Bates Almost Passed on The Waterboy

The iconic co-star initially tossed the script in the trash before being convinced to reconsider.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 8:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a recent interview at the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival, actor Adam Sandler shared a behind-the-scenes story about how Kathy Bates, who played his character's no-nonsense mother in the 1998 comedy The Waterboy, almost passed on the role. Sandler revealed that Bates initially tossed the script in the garbage after reading just the first page, but was later convinced by a colleague to give it another look, ultimately signing on to play the memorable Mama Boucher.

Why it matters

The Waterboy went on to become a cult classic comedy, with Bates' performance as the tough-talking matriarch being a key part of the film's enduring popularity. Sandler's anecdote provides a fascinating glimpse into the creative process and how even iconic roles can almost slip away before production begins.

The details

According to Sandler, when he first sent Bates the script for The Waterboy, her initial reaction was to simply toss it in the trash after reading the first page. However, one of Bates' colleagues saw the script in the garbage and encouraged her to give it a proper read, noting that it was "pretty funny." Bates reconsidered, read the full script, and ultimately signed on to play the role of Mama Boucher, which became one of the most memorable parts of the 1998 comedy.

  • Sandler shared this story during the 41st Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2026.

The players

Adam Sandler

An American actor, comedian, screenwriter, and film producer who starred in The Waterboy.

Kathy Bates

An American actress who played the role of Mama Boucher in The Waterboy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She kind of read the first page and went... threw it in the garbage.”

— Adam Sandler, Actor

“Kathy, I think you should read that script. It's pretty funny.”

— Kathy Bates' Colleague

The takeaway

This story highlights how even iconic roles can almost be missed, and the importance of giving projects a second look. It also underscores the close working relationship between Sandler and Bates, whose chemistry as mother and son was crucial to the enduring popularity of The Waterboy.