Adam Sandler Saves Day For Letterman

Last-Minute Switch From Guest To Host, As Letterman Is Sidelined By Stomach Virus

(CBS)  David Letterman wasn't camera-ready Tuesday, but "Late Show with David Letterman" went on nonetheless, thanks to some fancy footwork.

A CBS spokesperson tells TheShowbuzz.com that Letterman had to go home sick with a stomach virus, but he was able to find a last minute fill-in to handle his "Late Show" hosting duties: Adam Sandler.

Sandler was already scheduled to appear on the show as a guest, along with actor Don Cheadle, to promote their new film "Reign Over Me," a drama about a man who reconnects with a college roommate after losing his whole family in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Cheadle, who was nominated for an Oscar for 2004's "Hotel Rwanda," remained on the guest roster for the night, providing a leg up for Sandler, whose other guests were auto racing driver Danica Patrick, roots rock singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams, and comedian Todd Barry.

2Sandler opened up with a monologue saying, "Welcome to the show, this is very big. I know you're thinking, 'I had no idea Dave's son got so big... and Jewish!'"

"This is bizarre, but it's cool," said Sandler, as he settled into the big chair at Letterman's desk.

The 40-year-old comedian and actor also spoke about his ten-month-old daughter during his banter back and forth with musical director Paul Schaeffer.

Sandler brought out his bulldog Matzoh Ball as a "practice guest," asking questions of the inscrutable pooch.

He brought one other thing with him – a touch of humility - as he tackled the job so many comedians crave.

At one point during his interview with Cheadle, Sandler proclaimed: "I really suck at this!" and switched seats.

3Guest hosts have filled in for Letterman in the past, following his emergency heart surgery in 2000 and during a four-week-long absence in 2003 due to a severe case of shingles.

This is believed to be the first time the "Late Show" host has shown up for work and been unable to do the show.

Wednesday night's show was taped Monday, and will feature Letterman as host with actor Jack Black, CBS News correspondent Lara Logan, and beer-launching refrigerator creator John Cornwell.

The shows airing Thursday and Friday are both repeats due to delays by NCAA basketball tournament games.

Letterman is expected to be back on the job on Monday.

[bb19631]

WAY TO GO, ADAM!! WE LOVE U. HOPE DAVID GETS BETTER SOON.

[godofredo29]

I blame myself.

[bboc77]

I love Adam and David. I think that was stand-up for Dave to let that take place. I hope he gets better. Good job Adam!

[americanx1]

Had you read beyond your own post, you would
have known how it was introduced. There's a
new-fangled thing called YouTube that will in
all probability have at least clips to view.

[ajaxrose1]

I thought this article was about Sandler and Letterman. How did Carson and Leno get in there? Wierd. Anyway, Adam Sandler is a class act and I'm sorry that having a job to get up for prevents me from staying up late enough to watch that episode. I'm sure he was very good.

[americanx1]

Carson hand-picked Letterman as his successor on
the Tonight Show, and personally trained him to
take on that Position. NBC had other thoughts, and
the LenoWitch who represented the now-defunct, but
once very funny, chin-boy at that time had someone
at that table by the orbs, and that tepid mess at
11:35PM is the sad result. Carson was pissed.

Even faded-over-time, David doesn't have it in
him to be the sellout Leno is. The Tonight Show
is dead. Unless you view racism as entertainment.

[americanx1]

Carson hand-picked Letterman as his successor on
the Tonight Show, and personally trained him to
take on that Position. NBC had other thoughts, and
the LenoWitch who represented the now-defunct, but
once very funny, chin-boy at that time had someone
at that table by the orbs, and that tepid mess at
11:35PM is the sad result. Carson was pissed.

Even faded-over-time, David doesn't have it in
him to be the sellout Leno is. The Tonight Show
is dead.

[jscribe58]

I think it was big of Dave to let that happen. He's in the top seat, and could have insisted a rerun be used. After being robbed of the job of being Johnny Carson's replacement, he has every right to be protective of his job. THe fact that he was not Carson's favorite for the job should have been no reason for NBC to not put the best person for it in there. So, congratulations Dave, you've proven yourself a better man than Carson.

[jetlizhan]

adam sandler is so much more than just a comic - he's a tremendous actor and i can't wait to see 'Reign Over Me'. letterman couldn't have picked a better replacement.