Adam Sandler’s highly anticipated sequel, “Happy Gilmore 2,” which premiered on Netflix on July 25, 2025, is garnering attention not just for its star-studded cameos and comedic return, but also for a deeply moving and subtle tribute to the late actor Cameron Boyce. Boyce, who tragically passed away in 2019, shared a significant on-screen history with Sandler, notably playing his son in the “Grown Ups” films.
The homage to Boyce is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment early in the film. As Happy Gilmore (Sandler) approaches a check-in desk at a golf course, observant viewers will notice a television screen in the background. On this screen, footage from an episode of “Jessie,” the popular Disney Channel series where Boyce starred as Luke Ross from 2011 to 2015, is playing. This discreet inclusion has resonated deeply with fans, who quickly spotted the heartfelt nod and shared their reactions across social media platforms, as reported by Variety and USA Today.
Cameron Boyce was a talented child actor who rose to prominence through his work with Disney Channel, including “Jessie” and the “Descendants” movie franchise. Beyond his Disney roles, he also appeared in films like “Mirrors” and “Eagle Eye.” His most notable collaboration with Adam Sandler was portraying Keithie Feder, Sandler’s character’s son, in “Grown Ups” (2010) and its 2013 sequel, “Grown Ups 2.” Boyce’s life was cut short at the age of 20 in July 2019, when he died in his sleep due to an epileptic seizure. His family released a statement at the time, emphasizing that “his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him,” according to USA Today.
This isn’t the first time Sandler has honored his young co-star’s memory. His 2020 Netflix film, “Hubie Halloween,” was dedicated to Boyce. The end credits of “Hubie Halloween” featured a poignant message: “In loving memory of Cameron Boyce. Gone way too soon and one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew. You live on forever in our hearts and are truly missed every day.” Additionally, shortly after Boyce’s passing, Sandler posted a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter), describing him as “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around. Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken.” These previous tributes were widely reported by outlets like Variety and Today.com.
The subtle tribute in “Happy Gilmore 2” has been widely praised by viewers online. Many have expressed a mix of emotions, with one fan on TikTok noting, “Adam Sandler including Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 is hurting and healing my heart at the same time.” Others simply called it a “lovely tribute” and expressed how much Boyce is missed, as highlighted by the New York Post. The gesture underscores the lasting impact Boyce had on those he worked with and his dedicated fanbase.
Beyond this touching remembrance, “Happy Gilmore 2” also features other tributes, including nods to the late Carl Weathers, who played Chubbs Peterson in the original film and was set to return before his passing in February 2024. Weathers is honored through flashbacks, and a new character, Slim (played by Lavell Crawford), is introduced as Chubbs’ son. The sequel sees Happy Gilmore unretire from professional golf to raise money for his daughter’s ballet classes, with Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald reprising their roles. The film is also packed with numerous celebrity cameos, and Sandler’s real-life wife, Jackie Sandler, and daughters, Sadie and Sunny Sandler, also make appearances.
Adam Sandler’s consistent efforts to remember Cameron Boyce, from dedicated film credits to subtle on-screen moments, highlight the deep bond they shared. The tribute in “Happy Gilmore 2” serves as a poignant reminder of Boyce’s talent and the void left by his early departure, ensuring his legacy continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
