Adam Sandler Honors Cameron Boyce With Subtle Nod in Happy Gilmore 2
Adam Sandler included a subtle clip of Cameron Boyce’s Disney show Jessie on a desk TV in Happy Gilmore 2 as a heartfelt tribute.
Jordan Collins here, I suppose I should spell this out. You probably know that 58-year-old Adam Sandler and castmate Cameron Boyce forged a tight bond on the sets of Grown Ups and its sequel, but perhaps you missed his tender nod to Boyce in the latest comedy sequel. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published July 29, Sandler explained how this moment came to life and why it matters more than you might think.
Sandler recalled, “Love that kid. He was one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met, always in a good mood, constantly great energy, loving to everybody,” attributing much of his decision to personal admiration. He and Boyce played father and son Lenny and Keithie Feder in the 2010 hit Grown Ups and its 2013 follow-up, forming a genuine on-screen and off-screen family dynamic.
The inspiration for the Easter egg fell into place during a writers’ meeting with longtime collaborator Tim Herlihy. Sandler said they casually wondered what show a store clerk might watch on a small desk television, and the answer was obvious: “Might as well throw Cameron in there. He’s the man. Keep him part of our family.” That simple creative choice ensured Boyce’s presence remained alive in Sandler’s universe.
This is not the first time Sandler has publicly honored the late Disney star. In the Netflix comedy Hubie Halloween released in 2020, Sandler included an on-screen dedication reading In loving memory of CAMERON BOYCE, praising him as “one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew.” Fans noted the consistency of Sandler’s tributes, recognizing a pattern of loyalty that spans years.
Audiences quickly dug into social media to share their emotions. “Adam put a tiny Cameron Boyce (played his son in ‘Grown Ups’) tribute in ‘Happy Gilmore 2.’ Excuse me while I sob,” one viewer wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, capturing the collective tearful reaction. Comments poured in highlighting how such a small detail can carry enormous sentiment.
Boyce’s mom, Libby Boyce, also weighed in with gratitude on her Instagram page on July 27. She noted how Adam “always finds a way to keep Cam’s memory alive,” and recalled the creative talks they shared just before Cameron’s untimely death in 2019. Their friendship, she said, was built on authenticity, humor, and genuine care.
Cameron Boyce passed away on July 6, 2019, after suffering an epileptic seizure at age 20. He first charmed audiences as Luke Ross in the Disney Channel series Jessie from 2011 to 2015, later starring in the musical fantasy franchise Descendants and the series Mrs. Fletcher. At the time of his death, a family representative announced they were “utterly heartbroken” and asked for privacy.
In Cameron’s honor, his family established the Cameron Boyce Foundation to support epilepsy research, awareness, and education. Sandler was among the first high-profile figures to pay tribute, calling him “Too young. Too sweet. Too funny,” and emphasizing how deeply Boyce’s “kindness and talent” touched those around him.
This thoughtful cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 underscores a broader trend: Sandler’s unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of a friend and co-star whose life was cut tragically short. If you needed confirmation of Sandler’s heartfelt generosity, there it is, broadcast on a tiny television screen for millions to notice.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Post, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
