Drew Barrymore and Adam Sandler have been sharing the screen and laughter for nearly three decades. Their go-to romantic comedy, 50 First Dates, holds a special place not only for the two actors but now also for their daughters, who recently enjoyed the film during a sweet movie night. This charming glimpse of their family ties was revealed on The Drew Barrymore Show when Drew updated viewers on her daughter's bonding experience.
On November 4, Barrymore shared with delight how her daughter and Sandler's daughter were found together, immersed in the antics and love story of 50 First Dates, which was released back in 2004. "I was like, ‘Why are you guys watching this? Don’t you get enough of me and your dad?’" she remarked, eliciting laughs from her audience. This simple yet heartfelt moment felt like icing on the cake for the long-standing friendship between the two Hollywood stars.
Barrymore, who is mom to Olive, 12, and Frankie, 10, with ex-husband Will Kopelman, and Sandler, who shares daughters Sadie, 18, and Sunny, 16, with his wife Jackie, has often spoken about the joy of watching her kids engage with her work. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed how refreshing it is to see children embrace aspects of their parents' careers—and it was clear the moment brought her immense joy.
"Your kids will, a lot of the time, reject so many things about you, so when you see them embracing something, you’re like, ‘Oh, how fantastic!’" Barrymore explained about the nuances of parenting and how sometimes parents feel their kids might not appreciate their achievements or experiences.
The evening of movie magic not only highlighted the daughters’ enjoyment but also sparked fond memories for fans and followers of 50 First Dates. The romantic comedy, which features Sandler as Henry, who repeatedly tries to get Lucy, played by Barrymore, to fall for him again after she suffers from memory loss every day, is considered one of their most iconic collaborations.
During her talk show segment, Barrymore went on to reveal some trivia associated with the film, including its original title 50 First Kisses and its bittersweet early draft ending, which at one point had her character pushing Henry to live his life away from her. "The original ending has her saying, ‘You should go and live your life, because this is no life here.’ And he goes away, as he does, and he walks back and says, ‘Hi, I’m Henry.’" Thankfully, the film evolved to have Henry and Lucy end up together, much to the relief of viewers and her co-host Ross Mathews, who gratefully thanked Barrymore for altering the story's fate.
This nostalgic remembrance of 50 First Dates serves as another reminder of the successful cinematic partnership between Barrymore and Sandler. Both actors have consistently expressed their admiration for one another through the years, cementing their status as one of Hollywood’s iconic duo bonds. Their friendship extends beyond film, as they frequently catch up through text messages and meet regularly.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Drew confirmed their friendship remains strong, mentioning, "We text and see each other all the time. It’s based on love, admiration, and humor." This connection has also flowed down to their daughters, who are now appreciating the films their parents created through the years.
Many fans took to social media to express their joy at learning about the girls' movie night, sharing personal anecdotes about the film and how it helped them face difficult memories, especially related to loves lost or family members struggling with memory-related issues. The movie, praised for its blend of humor and poignant moments, still resonates with audiences today, bringing forth discussions about love, resilience, and how we cope with loss.
Reflecting upon the daughters enjoying these cinematic gems brought back the nostalgic warmth of the film. Viewers chimed in with creative ideas for sequels, one fan proposing: 51 First Dates, where circumstances lead to even more comedic spats. People were reminded of how 50 First Dates had helped ease some of the pain related to their personal experiences with young family members facing memory challenges. Others remarked on the importance of connection and bonding through storytelling, cherishing shared moments through film just like Barrymore and Sandler’s daughters.
This delightful peek behind the curtain of their families helps us all appreciate the bonds formed not just through shared history at work, but also through parenting. Barrymore and Sandler have maintained separate, flourishing family lives, yet their eternal friendship continues to shine brightly through each new chapter, nurtured by love and laughter. Their daughters reflect this legacy, discovering and forging new connections with the charming tales Mommy and Daddy brought to life all those years ago.
With the sweet experience of their daughters enjoying 50 First Dates, fans and viewers are left wondering whether the two will collaborate on another project and what creative ideas might arise from future family gatherings. Will we see yet another charming comedy graced with the talents of Barrymore and Sandler? Only time will tell, but for now, the legacy of their films—and the connection between their families—remains beautifully intact.
