Adam Sandler Recalls Busking on NYC Subways After Getting Fired from 3 Jobs

The actor said he turned to singing on the streets to make money after being let go from two restaurants and a pharmacy as a college student.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Adam Sandler revealed that he once performed music on the streets of New York City after being fired from three different jobs while living in the city as a college student. Sandler said his father told him he needed to get a job that summer, so he got three jobs but was fired from two restaurants and a pharmacy. To make money, Sandler said he turned to singing and playing guitar on the subway, which he described as "always nerve-racking." Sandler, who is known for his comedic acting, has frequently incorporated music into his work, including songs like "The Thanksgiving Song" and "The Chanukah Song" from his time on Saturday Night Live.

Why it matters

Sandler's story provides a glimpse into his early days as an aspiring entertainer, highlighting how he had to hustle and find creative ways to make ends meet before achieving major success as a comedic actor. His experience of busking on the NYC subway also reflects a common path for many young artists trying to break into the entertainment industry.

The details

Sandler said that after being fired from the three jobs, his father told him he needed to make money, so Sandler decided to sing and play guitar on the subway. He would take his guitar case, open it, and perform at random spots around the city, often playing the Carpenters' song "We've Only Just Begun." Sandler described the experience as "always nerve-racking" but said the music would "change everybody's mood."

  • Sandler was a college student between his freshman and sophomore years at NYU when this occurred.
  • Sandler said this happened one summer while he was living in New York City.

The players

Adam Sandler

A 59-year-old American actor, comedian, screenwriter, film producer, and musician who is known for his comedic roles in films like Happy Gilmore and his incorporation of music into his work.

Sandler's father

Sandler's father, who encouraged him to get a job that summer between college years.

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What they’re saying

“Music's the best. Its always been there for me,”

— Adam Sandler (people.com)

“You take your guitar case, open it. This was before they assigned places. I used to randomly just go to different spots and play guitar, but I used to play 'We've Only Just Begun' [by the Carpenters] on guitar. Sing that all the time. Always a show-stopper. Always changed everybody's mood.”

— Adam Sandler (people.com)

The takeaway

Sandler's experience of busking on the NYC subway as a struggling college student trying to make ends meet reflects the hustle and creativity many young artists have to employ to pursue their passions before achieving mainstream success. His story provides an inspiring example of perseverance in the face of setbacks.