Big Daddy was an English wrestler. He was born in Halifax, England in 1930 (or 1937) as Shirley Crabtree and after stints as a miner and in the army he followed his father and became a professional wrestler in 1952. He won both the BWF British and European heavyweight titles in 1960 but quit in 1963.

With the rising popularity of the spectacle on television (World of Sport on ITV) he returned to wrestling with All Star Promotions and took on the Big Daddy persona in 1976. Weighing around 170 kg his trademarks were 'belly butts' followed by a 'belly splash' on recumbent opponents, his weight and age precluded many other moves. Playing the 'good guy' his chief rival was Giant Haystacks. In 1987 fellow wrestler Malcolm King died after a splash. ITV dropped wrestling from its schedules in 1988.

Crabtree died on December 2, 1997 in Halifax of a heart attack.


Big Daddy is a film which came in theaters on June 25, 1999. Starring Adam Sandler.

Sonny (Adam Sandler) adopts a 5-year old child born from Toronto and moved to Buffalo. Prospective parents everywhere, you have a new role model: Adam Sandler! In Big Daddy, Sandler plays 30-year-old bachelor Sonny Koufax, a carefree slob who has never much taken to adult responsibilities. However, as his old buddies start getting married and drifting away, Sonny realizes that if he doesn't do something soon, he could end up all alone for the rest of his life.

Cast

(in credits order) verified as complete
  • Adam Sandler - Sonny Koufax
  • Joey Lauren Adams - Layla
  • Jon Stewart - Kevin
  • Cole Sprouse - Julian
  • Dylan Sprouse - Julian
  • Josh Mostel - Mr. Brooks
  • Leslie Mann - Corinne
  • Allen Covert - Phil
  • Rob Schneider - Delivery Guy
  • Kristy Swanson - Vanessa
  • Joseph Bologna - Mr. Koufax
  • Peter Dante - Tommy
  • Jonathan Loughran - Mike
  • Steve Buscemi - Homeless Guy
  • Tim Herlihy - Singing Kangaroo
  • Larkin Malloy - Restaurant Owner
  • Samantha Brown - Employee
  • Neal Huff - Customer
  • Geoffrey Horne - Sid
  • Greg Haberny - NYU Student
  • Jackie Titone - Waitress (as Jacqueline Titone)
  • George Hall - Elderly Driver
  • Peggy Shay - Lady at Tollbooth
  • Alfonso Ramírez - George
  • Salvatore Cavaliere - Angry Motorist
  • Kelly Dugan - Kelly
  • Jared Sandler - Jared
  • Jillian Sandler - Jillian
  • Helen Lloyd Breed - Miss Foote
  • Chloé Hult - School Teacher
  • Carmen De Lavallade - Judge M. Healy
  • Steven Brill - Ted Castellucci
  • Glen Trotiner - Bailiff
  • Jorge Buccio - Himself
  • Cat Jagar - Receptionist
  • Deborah S. Craig - Paralegal
  • Nicholas Taylor - Older Kid
  • Cole Hawkins - Cole
  • Gabriel Jacobs - Jeff
  • Michael Arcate - Broken Arm Kid
  • Gaetano Lisi - Hot Dog Vendor
  • Michael Giarraputo - Hoboken Motorist
  • Steve Glenn - Guy at Party
  • Al Cerullo - Helicopter Pilot