AceShowbiz - Sanford "Sandy" Wernick, a renowned talent manager and entertainment executive, passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on Thursday in Rancho Mirage, California, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and loved ones during his final moments.

Sandy Wernick served as a partner and senior executive vice president at Brillstein Entertainment Partners, where he played a significant role in personal management, television and film packaging, and production. Before becoming a manager in the 1970s, Wernick had a notable career as an agent, advancing from the mailroom at MCA to becoming vice president of the TV division at ICM.

Among his many contributions to the entertainment industry, Wernick co-created and executive produced the influential series Def Comedy Jam. He was instrumental in packaging and producing landmark television shows such as Saturday Night Live, The Muppet Show, The Sopranos, Politically Incorrect, Just Shoot Me, NewsRadio, Alf, The Larry Sanders Show, Rules of Engagement, and The Goldbergs, among others.

Wernick was also a longtime collaborator with his client Adam Sandler, executive producing some of Sandler’s most successful comedy films including Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, The Wedding Singer, and Bulletproof. Sandler affectionately portrayed a character inspired by Wernick in the Netflix film Sandy Wexler, which centers on a 1990s talent manager representing eccentric clients.

"This guy Sandy is like my family. I love him more than anything and he is a very sweet guy," Sandler said while promoting the film on the show Conan. Wernick signed Sandler as a client when he was just 22 years old, shortly before Sandler made his debut on Saturday Night Live.

In addition to Adam Sandler, Wernick managed a wide range of notable clients including Tim Herlihy, John Davies, Akira (Leo) Yoshimura, Lorne Michaels, Ray Klausen, Don Mischer, Stan Lathan, Jeff Ross, Marilyn Wilson, Marty Pasetta, Victor Levin, Buz Kohan, Colin Quinn, Rob Schneider, Norm Crosby, Peter Falk, Alexandra Pelosi, and many others.

Born on March 22, 1939, in the Bronx, Wernick graduated from New York University and served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962 before pursuing his career in entertainment.

Sandy Wernick is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara; daughter Michele; son Barry and daughter-in-law Jillian; grandson Sammy; sister Joyce and brother-in-law Jules; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who mourn his loss.