Adam Sandler’s new Netflix sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, has brought unexpected tears, thanks to a subtle yet deeply emotional tribute to late actor Cameron Boyce.
Boyce, who starred as Sandler’s on-screen son in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2, passed away in July 2019 after suffering an epileptic seizure in his sleep.
Now, six years later, Sandler has honored the late 20-year-old's memory in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment early in Happy Gilmore 2, which premiered on Friday, July 25.
As Happy Gilmore approaches a check-in booth before teeing off, a small television in the corner quietly plays an episode of Jessie, the Disney Channel series where Boyce starred as Luke Ross from 2011 to 2015.
The tribute is short, but unmistakable, with the actor's character briefly appearing on-screen.
“Adam Sandler including Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 is hurting and healing my heart at the same time,” one TikTok user captioned a clip of the scene.
Another fan wrote: “Excuse me while I sob,” while a third added: "Happy Gilmore 2 was great. The honoring of Cameron Boyce was such a cute and awesome Easter egg. Bottom right of the screen they're watching them on TV. Adam Sandler you killed it. Family is very happy."
Watch the scene below:Boyce’s family previously shared that his death was caused by a seizure “as a result of an ongoing medical condition for which he was being treated,” per BBC News.
In a tribute at the time, Sandler said: “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.”
This isn’t the first time Sandler has publicly remembered Boyce. His 2020 film Hubie Halloween closed with a dedication reading: “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.”
Boyce’s former co-stars also recently honored him, marking what would have been his 26th birthday in May and the sixth anniversary of his passing in July.
“I still feel you all the time. Catch you in the next life,” Dove Cameron penned. Sofia Carson posted: “Our Angel. Forever,” while Booboo Stewart shared: “Life is good. Miss you Cam.”
Sandler's tribute to Boyce is just one of several emotional nods in Happy Gilmore 2. The film also honors Carl Weathers, who passed away in February 2024, with flashbacks of his character Chubbs Peterson.
In the sequel, a new character named Slim, Chubbs’ son, played by Lavell Crawford, joins the storyline, prosthetic hand and all.
Set nearly 30 years after the original, Happy Gilmore 2 follows Happy as he comes out of retirement to fund his daughter’s ballet education.
The sequel reunites original cast members Julie Bowen (Virginia Venit) and Christopher McDonald (Shooter McGavin), alongside a slew of celebrity cameos such as Bad Bunny and appearances from Sandler’s real-life wife Jackie and daughters Sadie and Sunny.
Happy Gilmore 2 is streaming now on Netflix.