Adam Sandler’s Subtle Cameron Boyce Nod in Happy Gilmore 2
Hi, I’m Riley Carter. Alright, so picture this: a new Happy Gilmore sequel drops on Netflix, and in the background there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment that hits you right in the feels. Let’s unpack it without acting like we planned to get this emotional.
In a July 29 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Adam Sandler revealed the story behind that mini tribute to his late Grown Ups costar Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2. When the production team asked, “What should we toss on the TV set?” the answer was obvious: a quick clip of young Cameron lighting up his Disney Channel days. “He’s the man,” Adam told THR. “Keep him part of our family.”
Cameron Boyce, who passed away in 2019 at just 20 years old after a seizure, was more than a fellow actor to Sandler—he was family. “Love that kid,” Adam said. “One of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met—always in a good mood, bringing great energy, loving to everybody.” Their bond formed on the set of Grown Ups, and it only strengthened over time.
Before Cameron’s untimely death, he was set to play a role in Sandler’s 2020 Halloween comedy, Hubie Halloween. After losing him, Adam included a heartfelt post-credit note calling Cameron “one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew.” “We were getting ready to have a great time together, and we lost him. We think of him all the time,” Sandler shared with THR.
Fans spotted Cameron’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 almost immediately, and Cameron’s mom, Libby Boyce, took to Instagram on July 27 to express her gratitude. “Adam always finds a way to keep Cam’s memory alive,” she wrote. She also opened up about their friendship, noting that Adam and Cameron were “strategizing” roles together right up until his passing.
These small but powerful gestures show how Adam Sandler honors the people closest to him, even in big studio comedies. His nod to Cameron adds a genuine moment of warmth amid the slapstick antics—and it reminds viewers that some bonds outlast any box office run.
Beyond Sandler and Boyce, Hollywood is full of unexpected friendships that keep fans talking. Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon have remained tight through projects like A Wrinkle in Time and The Morning Show. Ayesha Curry and Lindsay Lohan formed a Dubai friendship that turned into godparent roles for Lohan’s son. Even Adam Sandler himself laced up sneakers to play basketball with Timothée Chalamet in New York City last summer.
What’s next? Will Sandler surprise us with more Easter eggs for his Grown Ups crew? And which celebrity friendships will go viral in the months ahead? Stay tuned—because in the world of Hollywood connections, you never know when nostalgia and genuine affection will collide in the most delightful way.
Alright, that’s that. Take it for what it’s worth.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Hollywood Reporter, E! Online, Instagram
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
