Kathy Bates Almost Didn't Star in 'The Waterboy'

The acclaimed actress initially dismissed the script before her niece convinced her to take the role.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a recent interview, Adam Sandler revealed that Kathy Bates almost didn't accept the role of his mother in the 1998 comedy 'The Waterboy'. Bates had initially read the first 12 pages of the script and thrown it in the trash, thinking it was "a piece of s--t". However, her niece convinced her to reconsider after explaining Sandler's fame from 'The Chanukah Song' on Saturday Night Live. Bates went on to play the role and has remained close with Sandler ever since, often offering encouragement when he takes on more serious acting projects.

Why it matters

Kathy Bates' near-miss with 'The Waterboy' highlights how even acclaimed actors can initially dismiss projects that end up becoming major hits. The story also showcases the importance of having supportive relationships and people in one's life who can provide perspective and encouragement, even when an artist is unsure about a particular role or opportunity.

The details

According to Sandler, Bates had read only the first page of the 'Waterboy' script before throwing it in the trash. However, Bates later clarified that she had read the first 12 pages and thought it was "a piece of s--t" before discarding it. It was Bates' niece who fished the script out of the trash and convinced the actress to reconsider, explaining Sandler's fame from 'The Chanukah Song' on Saturday Night Live. Bates ultimately accepted the role and has remained close with Sandler ever since, often providing encouragement when he takes on more serious acting projects.

  • Kathy Bates initially read and discarded the 'Waterboy' script in 1998.
  • Bates later recounted the story to Conan O'Brien in 2019.
  • Adam Sandler shared his recollection of the story at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival on February 6, 2026.

The players

Kathy Bates

An acclaimed actress known for roles in films like 'Misery' and 'Titanic', who initially dismissed the script for 'The Waterboy' before being convinced to take the part.

Adam Sandler

The comedian and actor who starred in 'The Waterboy' and has remained close with Bates since the film's production.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know if I have the story 100% correct, but apparently she kind of read the first page [of the script] and...threw it in the garbage.”

— Adam Sandler (vice.com)

“I was in my bed, and I read the first 12 pages, and I thought, 'Aw, this is a piece of s--t,' And I always keep a trash can right by my bed, for all those scripts, you know. And so I threw it away.”

— Kathy Bates (Conan O'Brien Show)

“Don't you know 'The Chanukah Song' from Saturday Night Live?”

— Kathy Bates' niece (Conan O'Brien Show)

What’s next

Sandler and Bates are expected to continue their close working relationship, with Bates likely providing support and encouragement as Sandler takes on more dramatic roles in the future.

The takeaway

This story highlights how even acclaimed actors can initially dismiss projects that go on to become major successes, and the importance of having supportive relationships and people in one's life who can provide perspective and encouragement, even when an artist is unsure about a particular role or opportunity.