Nearly 30 years after Happy Gilmore first hit the big screen, Adam Sandler is back — and he’s bringing some familiar faces with him in the long-awaited Netflix sequel, Happy Gilmore 2. The original 1996 comedy became an instant classic, blending heart, humor, and hijinks on the golf course. Now, fans are eager to know: where is the original cast today, and who’s returning for round two?
Adam Sandler (Happy Gilmore)
From hockey-turned-golf legend to proud dad, Adam Sandler reprises his iconic role as Happy Gilmore in the sequel. This time, Happy returns to the green to help pay for his daughter Vienna’s dream ballet school in Paris.
Sandler, now 58, has remained a Hollywood powerhouse. Known for hits like The Wedding Singer, Click, Uncut Gems, and Hustle, he also voices Dracula in Hotel Transylvania and produces under his Happy Madison banner. His daughters, Sadie and Sunny Sandler, both appear in Happy Gilmore 2.
Sweet Detail: A photo of Frances Bay (Grandma Gilmore) appears in Happy’s car as a tribute.
Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit)
Bowen returns as Virginia Venit, Happy’s wife and the emotional center of the film. After her breakout role in Happy Gilmore, she starred in Modern Family, earning two Primetime Emmys.
In Happy Gilmore 2, Virginia plays a smaller but pivotal role. Bowen admitted she was surprised to be asked back, but Sandler insisted: “You’re the heart of the movie.”
Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin)
McDonald’s villainous Shooter McGavin is back — and this time, he’s teaming up with Happy. Known for Requiem for a Dream and Boardwalk Empire, McDonald brings a twist to his classic role.
Fun fact: He still hears fans yell “Shooter!” on the street nearly 30 years later.
In Loving Memory: Cast Members We Lost
Frances Bay (Grandma Gilmore)
Bay passed in 2011 at age 92. She starred in Seinfeld, Happy Days, and The Wedding Planner. Her memory lives on in the sequel with a touching nod on Happy’s dashboard.
Carl Weathers (Chubbs Peterson)
Weathers died in 2024 at 76. Famous as Apollo Creed in Rocky and Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, his character Chubbs is honored in the sequel through his son, Slim Peterson (played by Lavell Crawford).
Richard Kiel (Mr. Larson)
Known for his towering presence and role as Bond villain Jaws, Kiel passed in 2014. His character, Happy’s giant supporter, isn’t recast — but his legacy looms large.Bob Barker (Himself)
The Price Is Right legend died in 2023 at 99. His unforgettable golf brawl with Happy lives on as a cult favorite moment in sports comedy history.
Returning Cast Members
Allen Covert (Otto)
Happy’s loyal caddy is back. Covert is a staple in Sandler films from Big Daddy to Grown Ups and remains a behind-the-scenes creative force.
Ben Stiller (Hal L.)
The uncredited nursing home tyrant returns, this time managing an AA group. Stiller has since starred in Zoolander, Meet the Parents, and directed Severance.
Kevin Nealon (Gary Potter)
Back with his zen golf wisdom, Nealon reunites with Sandler after SNL and classics like The Wedding Singer and Anger Management.
New Faces in Happy Gilmore 2
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Bad Bunny as Oscar Mejías (Happy’s caddy)
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Margaret Qualley as Sally (comedic standout)
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Eric Andre as Steiner (amateur golf wild card)
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Benny Safdie as Frank Manatee (villain behind Maxi Golf)
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Haley Joel Osment as Billy Jenkins (AA group member)
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Steve Buscemi as Pat (nosy neighbor)
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Lavell Crawford as Slim Peterson (Chubbs’ son)
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Maxwell Jacob Friedman as Gordie Gilmore (Happy’s son)
Also featuring cameos from Rory McIlroy, John Daly, and more.
A Family Affair
Adam Sandler’s real-life daughters Sunny and Sadie have major roles:
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Sunny plays Vienna Gilmore, the reason Happy returns to golf.
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Sadie appears as Charlotte, a member of Happy’s support group.
Final Thoughts: A Sequel for the Fans
Happy Gilmore 2 delivers everything longtime fans love — humor, heart, and a little heartbreak. With tributes to beloved original cast members and a new generation joining the green, it’s a feel-good comedy that balances nostalgia and fresh laughs.
Whether you’re a lifelong Sandler fan or just discovering the franchise, this Netflix sequel is a must-watch this summer.
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