Adam Sandler Reveals How a Hollywood Legend Almost Rejected The Waterboy

Adam Sandler recently shared a surprising behind-the-scenes story about his hit 1998 comedy The Waterboy. According to the actor, Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates almost rejected the movie after throwing the script in the trash.

The film, directed by Frank Coraci, became one of Sandler’s most popular comedies. It also marked a major change for Kathy Bates, who was mostly known at the time for serious dramatic roles like Misery, Titanic, and Dolores Claiborne.

Kathy Bates Didn’t Like the Script at First

While attending the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, where Sandler received the Maltin Modern Master Award, he recalled how Bates reacted when she first read The Waterboy script.

According to Sandler, Bates reportedly read only the first page before tossing it in the garbage. Luckily, someone close to her picked it up, read it, and encouraged her to give the script another chance — saying it was actually very funny.

That suggestion changed everything.

A Second Chance Led to a Classic Performance

Bates later admitted in a 2024 interview that she made it only twelve pages into the script before throwing it away again — this time beside her bed. However, after more convincing, she decided to continue reading.

Once she agreed to do the film, Bates said The Waterboy became one of her favorite experiences of her entire career. She and Sandler grew very close during filming, especially since their characters shared many scenes as mother and son.

Her role as Helen “Mama” Boucher — the strict, fiery mother who believes nearly everything is “the Devil” — went on to become one of the most memorable characters in Sandler’s filmography.

The Story of The Waterboy

The movie follows Bobby Boucher, a socially awkward waterboy for a struggling college football team. After discovering his hidden talent for tackling, Bobby becomes an unlikely football star.

The film also starred Henry Winkler, Fairuza Balk, Jerry Reed, Rob Schneider, and several longtime Sandler collaborators.

Henry Winkler Joined the Movie at the Last Minute

Another surprising casting story involves Henry Winkler, who played Coach Klein. According to Winkler, the role was originally meant for someone else.

In a podcast interview, Winkler revealed that Sandler called him late at night after the original actor failed to show up. Sandler asked him to rush to the filming location immediately.

Winkler agreed, shaved, drove across Los Angeles, and stayed on set until early morning. For all his trouble, he joked that he received just one cookie — and didn’t even get to keep his costume.

A Long Friendship Was Born

Despite the chaotic start, The Waterboy marked the beginning of a long friendship between Sandler and Winkler. Winkler later appeared in several more Sandler films, including Little Nicky, Click, You Don’t Mess with the Zohan, and Sandy Wexler.

A Comedy Classic Almost Lost

It’s hard to imagine The Waterboy without Kathy Bates or Henry Winkler, but both nearly missed out. Thanks to second chances and last-minute calls, the film became a comedy classic — and one of the most beloved movies of Adam Sandler’s career.