Almost 30 years ago, Adam Sandler starred in “Happy Gilmore,” the 1996 movie about a failed ice hockey player who takes up golf to stop the foreclosure of his grandmotherโs house.
Considered a classic among comedy fans, professional golfers and children of the ’90s, “Happy Gilmore” features a stacked cast with a multitude of celebrity cameos.
This summer, Sandler returned to the golf course with “Happy Gilmore 2,” out July 25 on Netflix. Directed by Kyle Newacheck and written by Tim Herlihy and Adam Sandler, the sequel features new roles for Bad Bunny, Margaret Qualley and Benny Safdie.
Letโs peek at what the original cast has been up to since the 1996 premiere.
Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)
Who else would we start with other than the one and only Mr. Landon โHappyโ Gilmore?
Adam Sandler has stayed busy since nailing that final putt. He was a staple of ’90s and early aughts comedies, but also appeared in more dramatic roles, like “Punch Drunk Love” and “Uncut Gems.” In addition to writing, acting, and producing multiple Hollywood projects, Sandler also performs stand-up.
His two daughters with wife Jackie Sandler are frequent co-contributors and appear in “Happy Gilmore 2” with him.
Plus, don’t forget his legacy as a Gen-Z style icon.
Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit)
Since stealing hearts in “Happy Gilmore,” Emmy-award winning Julie Bowen starred in multiple hit television shows, such as “Ed,” “Boston Legal,” and, of course, “Modern Family,” where she played Claire Dunphy.
“Happy Gilmore 2” wonโt be the first time she reunited with Adam Sandler. In 2020, Bowen and Sandler returned as love interests in the Netflix comedy, “Hubie Halloween.”
Bowen said she didn’t expect to be brought back for the “Happy Gilmore” sequel.
โI didnโt think theyโd bring me back at all,โ Bowen said on the most “Inside of You” podcast hosted by Michael Rosenbaum. โI mean, who am I supposed to be? Heโs got to have a younger woman in this one.โ
โAdamโs like, โStop saying that. Youโre the heart of the movie,โโ she continued.
Fans were shocked by Virginia’s fate in the sequel.
Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin)
After gracing us with Shooter McGavinโs iconic finger guns, Christopher McDonald could be seen in such notable films and TV shows as “Requiem for a Dream” and “Boardwalk Empire.”
In his recent “Hacks” appearance, McDonald’s character plays golf opposite Jean Hacks’ Deborah Vance.
โShooterโs still in me, somehow,โ he told Pedestrian, a pop culture website, about his “Happy Gilmore” character.
Frances Bay (Grandma Gilmore)
Frances Bay appeared in more than 50 films and 100 TV shows, including multiple directed by David Lynch.
She had a pivotal role in “Happy Gilmore” as Happy’s grandmother. When Happy learns she’s going to lose her home, he enters a golf tournament to try and save it. She also played Fonzieโs grandma in “Happy Days” and fought with Jerry over a loaf of marble rye bread in an unforgettable episode of “Seinfeld.”
Bay passed away from complications from pneumonia at the age of 92 in 2011. “Happy Gilmore 2” has a subtle tribute to Bay: Her photo is in the dashboard of his car.
Carl Weathers (Derick โChubbsโ Peterson)
Aside from coaching Happy, of course, Carl Weathers was famous for playing Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series.
Weather acted across an array of projects, including “Predator,” the “Toy Story” franchise and “The Mandalorian.”
The veteran actor and former football player died in 2024 at the age of 76.
Allen Covert (Otto)
Since playing Happyโs caddy, Allen Covert has collaborated with Adam Sandler numerous times from “Big Daddy” and “The Wedding Singer” to “Bedtime Stories” and “Grown Ups.”
Richard Kiel (Mr. Larson)
Hollywood’s “gentle giant” stood over 7 feet tall and appeared in numerous film and TV shows, including “The Spy Who Loved Me” and “The Twilight Zone.” In “Happy Gilmore,” he played Happy’s boss and biggest fan.
In 2014, three days before his 75th birthday, Kiel died from heart disease.
Bob Barker (himself)
Bob Barker, host of “The Price is Right” for over 35 years, made a memorable cameo in “Happy Gilmore.” He and Happy get into a fist fight on the golf course โย and Barker wins.
Barker died at the age of 99 from Alzheimerโs Disease in 2023.
Ben Stiller (Hal L.)
Though his role was brief and uncredited, Ben Stiller made his mark as the bully who turns Grandma Gilmoreโs nursing home into a quilting sweatshop.
As a prolific actor, writer and producer, Stiller can be seen in countless films, including “Meet the Parents,” “Zoolander,” “Night at the Museum,” “Dodgeball” and “The Royal Tenenbaums.”
He has also received awards for his directorial work on “Escape at Dannemora” and “Severance.” And yes, he will be reprising his role as Hal L. in “Happy Gilmore 2.”
Kevin Nealon
Kevin Nealon coached Happy about how to “block the negative energy” in the first “Happy Gilmore.” His character, Gary Potter, returns for Part 2.
Nealon and Sandler have been frequent collaborators ever since their days on “SNL.” Sandler sang his famous “Thanksgiving Song” and “Chanukah Song” next to Nealon on “Saturday Night Live.”
