New York, Aug 3 (DPA) The comedy 'Funny People' opened in first place at North American box offices over the weekend with three-day ticket sales of $23.4 million, according to preliminary studio estimates issued Sunday.

The film stars Adam Sandler as a successful comedian diagnosed with a potentially deadly disease. Helmed by Judd Apatow, currently Hollywood's hottest comedic filmmaker, the movie follows Sandler and his comedian friends.

It opened Friday.