In an industry known for fleeting alliances and surface-level connections, the friendship between Henry Winkler and Adam Sandler stands as something rare — enduring, deeply personal, and rooted in genuine affection rather than convenience or fame.

At the 2026 AARP Movies for Grownups Awards in Los Angeles, where Adam Sandler was honored with the prestigious Career Achievement Award, it was only fitting that the man presenting the accolade was not just a colleague, but a longtime friend who knows him beyond the spotlight.

That man was Henry Winkler, the beloved Happy Days icon and acclaimed actor, now 80, who spoke to PEOPLE about a bond that has quietly spanned decades.

“We are like family,” Winkler said simply — but with unmistakable sincerity.

A FRIENDSHIP THAT STARTED WITH A SONG

Their relationship didn’t begin on a film set or through Hollywood networking. Instead, it started with something far more personal — gratitude.

Winkler recalled that years ago, Adam Sandler included him as a lyric in his famous “Chanukah Song,” a playful yet affectionate nod that didn’t go unnoticed.

“I called him to thank him for making me a lyric in his ‘Chanukah’ song,” Winkler said. “And then he invited me to be in The Waterboy.”

That phone call marked the beginning of a creative partnership — and something deeper.

“And we have a connection now,” Winkler continued. “He is a man of the world. He is connected to the world. He’s universal. Not just in popularity, but in his expanse.”

MORE THAN COLLEAGUES

Their collaborations on screen were memorable, but Winkler emphasized that their bond extended far beyond work.

“To be in Adam’s orbit is to feel warmth,” he explained. “I am so happy to be in that organ — that part of his world.”

When asked how Sandler has enriched his life, Winkler didn’t hesitate.

“First of all, you learn from him,” he said. “He teaches us how to have generosity of soul. That is his essence.”

It’s a striking phrase — generosity of soul — and one that seems to resonate deeply with those who know Sandler personally.

THE UNPREDICTABLE MAGIC OF ADAM SANDLER

Winkler also spoke fondly about Sandler’s spontaneity — a trait that has defined both his comedy and his personality.

“You never know what’s going to come out,” Winkler said with a smile. “You never know what the next moment is going to be with Adam, but it is always filled with warmth.”

That unpredictability, Winkler suggested, is not chaos — it’s creativity rooted in sincerity.

“It’s never cruel. It’s never dismissive. There’s always heart in it.”

A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT ON STAGE

The AARP ceremony itself was a powerful full-circle moment.

Standing onstage, Henry Winkler presented Adam Sandler with the Career Achievement Award, celebrating not only his decades-long career but also the emotional range he has shown in recent years — from beloved comedies to critically acclaimed dramatic roles.

As Sandler accepted the award, he looked directly at Winkler and spoke with unmistakable affection.

“Henry, you know I love you,” Sandler said.

Then, he shared a memory that revealed just how deeply intertwined their lives had become.

“Henry gave a speech at my wedding in 2003,” Sandler recalled. “It was the greatest speech.”

He paused.

“Everybody talks about how wonderful your speech was to me and Jackie.”

The room erupted in applause — not for the fame, but for the friendship.

A RARE HOLLYWOOD BOND

In Hollywood, where relationships often fade as quickly as they form, the Sandler–Winkler friendship stands out precisely because it has endured without spectacle.

There are no dramatic headlines.
No public feuds.
No performative loyalty.

Just consistency.

Just respect.

Just love.

Winkler’s admiration for Sandler isn’t rooted in box office numbers or awards, but in character.

“He is connected to people,” Winkler said. “Not just audiences — people.”

LEGACY BEYOND THE SCREEN

For both men, legacy now means more than credits or accolades.

For Winkler, it means recognizing goodness when you see it — and holding onto it.

For Sandler, it means surrounding himself with people who knew him before the awards, before the acclaim, before the weight of expectation.

Their friendship is a reminder that some of the most meaningful relationships in life are the ones that quietly endure — unseen, uncelebrated, but deeply felt.

WHY THIS STORY MATTERS

This isn’t just a celebrity friendship story.

It’s a story about:

• gratitude turning into connection

• collaboration growing into family

• and kindness becoming the foundation of longevity

As Henry Winkler put it, Adam Sandler didn’t just succeed — he shared his success.

And in doing so, he built something far more lasting than fame.

“WE ARE LIKE FAMILY”

As the night came to a close and the applause faded, what remained wasn’t the award — it was the image of two men standing onstage, bound not by contracts, but by years of trust, laughter, and loyalty.

“We are like family,” Winkler said again.

In Hollywood, that may be the highest honor of all.