Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Tribute to Little Nicky Co-Star Ozzy Osbourne
On July 22, 2025, the world mourned the loss of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne, who passed away at the age of 76, surrounded by family and love, as confirmed by his family’s statement. Among the many tributes from fans and celebrities, Adam Sandler, Osbourne’s co-star in the 2000 comedy Little Nicky, shared an emotional message that resonated deeply with fans, reflecting on the rock icon’s impact and their time together.
A Memorable Cameo in Little Nicky
Little Nicky, directed by Steven Brill, is a dark fantasy comedy starring Adam Sandler as Nicky, the kind-hearted son of Satan tasked with saving Earth from his devious brothers. Despite its critical panning and 22% Rotten Tomatoes score, the film has garnered a cult following, thanks in part to its absurd humor and star-studded cameos. One of the most iconic moments features Ozzy Osbourne, the “Prince of Darkness,” playing himself in a scene that pays homage to his infamous 1982 bat-biting incident.
In the film’s climactic battle, Nicky faces his brother Adrian (Rhys Ifans), who transforms into a bat. Nicky shatters a mysterious orb, summoning Osbourne, who, with a gleeful smile and an unnaturally large mouth, bites off the bat’s head and spits it into a flask, saving the day. The scene is a meta-reference to Osbourne’s real-life moment when he bit the head off a bat thrown onstage, mistakenly thinking it was a toy. This cameo, described as one of Osbourne’s best, elevated the film’s absurdity and cemented its place in comedic history.cinemaexpress.comslashfilm.comfandomwire.com
Sandler’s Touching Tribute
Following Osbourne’s passing, Sandler took to Instagram on July 22, 2025, to honor his friend and co-star. Accompanying a photo from their Little Nicky scene, Sandler wrote:
“Whether we were in our basements with our brothers, in the woods with our buddies, in the car, at a keg party, on a boat, at football practice, at a sleepover….Nobody was more badass to crank up on our speakers than the one and only prince of darkness – Ozzy Osborne! Loved him a lot like we all did! Sending love to the family and so happy to have spent time with the legend himself. RIP.”@AdamSandler
Sandler’s post, liked over 600,000 times within hours, struck a chord with fans who flooded the comments with shared memories of blasting Osbourne’s music, particularly Black Sabbath hits like “Mama, I’m Coming Home,” featured in Little Nicky. Fans noted the relatability of Sandler’s words, with one writing, “I blasted ‘Mama I’m coming home’ in my mom van when I lost my pops. He helped me cry it out. See you on the other side, Ozzy!!”entertainmentnow.com
A Personal Connection
Sandler’s tribute also highlighted their personal bond. During the filming of Little Nicky, Sandler took Osbourne to Morton’s Steakhouse, picking up a hefty tab that left him “shook up,” as he later recalled. Though Osbourne reportedly ordered a modest petite filet, the night underscored their camaraderie. Sandler’s admiration for Osbourne was evident, describing him as a “legend” whose music defined countless moments for fans worldwide.unilad.com
Osbourne’s Legacy and Final Days
Osbourne, the frontman of Black Sabbath and a pioneer of heavy metal, had faced significant health challenges, including a 2003 Parkinson’s diagnosis and a 2019 spinal injury. Despite these, he performed a final Black Sabbath concert in Birmingham, England, on July 5, 2025, just weeks before his death. His family’s statement emphasized his passing was peaceful, surrounded by loved ones. Celebrities like Jason Momoa, who hosted the concert, and Ranveer Singh also paid tribute, reflecting Osbourne’s global impact.people.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.comfilmfare.com
A Lasting Impact
Sandler’s tribute captures the essence of Osbourne’s larger-than-life persona, both on stage and in his memorable Little Nicky cameo. The film, though a commercial flop, remains a testament to Osbourne’s ability to steal the show, even in a brief appearance. As fans continue to celebrate his music and iconic moments, Sandler’s heartfelt words remind us of the joy and “badass” energy Osbourne brought to the world.
Rest in peace, Ozzy Osbourne, the Prince of Darkness whose legacy lives on in music, film, and the hearts of fans everywhere.
