NEW YORK (AP) -- Adam Sandler became a box-office superstar by interpreting his favorite character: the repressed man-child.

He soared to fame portraying short-tempered Peter Pans in the "Happy Gilmore," "Billy Madison" and "Big Daddy" films, branding himself the poster boy for guys who don't want to grow up.

Now the 41-year-old actor-comedian will be rewarded for his antics with the Generation Award at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards, to be presented June 1 at the Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, Calif.

He will receive the award for his "amazing contribution to Hollywood" and years of entertaining the network's young viewers, MTV announced Wednesday. The Generation Award is MTV Movie Awards' highest honor.

"A 30-something water boy, a brokenhearted `80s wedding singer and a rejected hockey player-turned-pro golfer ... now that's an impressive resume," said Van Toffler, president of MTV Networks Music, Logo and Films Group, in a statement. Toffler was referring to Sandler's roles in "The Waterboy," "The Wedding Singer" and "Happy Gilmore."

Sandler's film credits also include "Click," "50 First Dates," "Spanglish," "Mr. Deeds," "Punch-Drunk Love" and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry."

He will next be seen in the comedy "You Don't Mess With the Zohan," opening June 6.