Oscar-winning actress Kathy Bates admitted that she initially discarded the script for the 1998 film “The Waterboy” after reading just 12 pages because she was unfamiliar with Adam Sandler. Despite her reservations, Bates eventually took on the role of Mama Boucher, the protective mother of Sandler’s character Bobby Boucher in the movie.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Bates revealed that she didn’t recognize Adam Sandler when she received the football-themed script. Initially unimpressed, she threw the script away, only for her niece to rescue it from the trash and point out Sandler’s fame, particularly referencing his popular track, The Chanukah Song.
Despite her initial doubts, Bates decided to give the script another chance, ultimately enjoying her experience working with Sandler on the sports comedy. She praised Sandler’s talent, describing him as a genius, and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the film.
“The Waterboy,” directed by Frank Coraci, features a cast including Fairuza Balk, Henry Winkler, Jerry Reed, Lawrence Gilliard Jr., Blake Clark, Peter Dante, and Jonathan Loughran in various roles. Bates, who currently stars in the TV show “Matlock,” reflected on the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry and the joy she found in collaborating with Sandler.
