Adam Sandler's acting professor said he shouldn't be an actor, Brad Pitt reveals

Anecdote dates back to Sandler's days at university

Adam Sandler’s acting professor once told him he shouldn’t be an actor, according to an anecdote revealed by Brad Pitt.

Pitt told the story in a conversation with Sandler, filmed by Variety.

“This is my favourite Adam Sandler story,” Pitt said, adding that he had heard it from the Oscar-nominated director Bennett Miller.

“You were at [New York University], and it was an acting coach, I believe, or acting professor,” Pitt said.

“This is what I’m told: he took you out for a beer. You guys went to a bar and he kindly said to you: ‘Think about something else. Listen, you got heart, but you don’t have it. You don’t have it. Choose another path.’”

Sandler confirmed that “it was like that” and mentioned that the professor “sent a letter”.

Pitt then revealed that the story has a second part, which has particularly endeared him to Sandler.

“You ran into him when you were getting the ultimate payday, you were with a bunch of friends and you ran into him out at a bar,” Pitt said.

“And anyone would think that’s the opportunity to rub it in his face.

“Reportedly, what you did was, you said hi and you introduced him to your friends and you said” ‘This is the only teacher to ever buy me a beer.’”

Sandler said the recollection sounded accurate.

“I love that,” Pitt added. “That’s the guy I know, and I think that’s why you’re here after all these years.”

The two also discussed Sandler’s upcoming film Uncut Gems, which will be released in the US on 25 December (following a limited release on 13 December).