Hidden Tribute in Happy Gilmore 2: Fans Decode Adam Sandler’s Heartfelt Nod to Cameron Boyce

Ever wonder how a comedy sequel can sneak in a tearjerker moment without blinking? Well, Adam Sandler just pulled off that magic trick in Happy Gilmore 2. While fans chuckled at the familiar antics of their favorite golf-swinging underdog, many found themselves unexpectedly choked up over a tiny, almost hidden tribute to Cameron Boyce, the late young star who once played Sandler’s on-screen son. It’s like the film says, “Hey, life’s a wild swing—sometimes you score, sometimes you pay homage.” Packed with cameos and laughs, this Netflix drop isn’t just about fairways and putts, but about heart, memory, and the subtle ways legends stick around in the details. Curious how a brief flash of a young Disney star’s face can stir floods of emotion? Let’s dive in. LEARN MORE.

Adam Sandler sweetly paid tribute to his late on-screen son Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2.

Fans of the comedy star, 58, said they have been left in ‘floods’ of tears after noticing that he included a subtle nod to the 20-year-old in the sequel to the 1996 film.

The flick – which sees Sandler reprise his iconic role and return to the golf green – has already received rave reviews since it was released on Netflix on Friday (25 July).

It’s brimming with eye-popping celebrity cameos as well as comedy, but there’s also a host of heartwarming moments too.

Sadly, several stars who were part of the original Happy Gilmore line-up have passed away in the years since its release, and Sandler paid homage to these stars in the second instalment.

The actor, who wrote, produced and starred in the film, explained he included a number of ‘nice references’ to his late cast members in Happy Gilmore 2.

This includes a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it tribute to Cameron Boyce, who sadly died in his sleep on 6 July, 2019, after suffering a seizure.

Boyce starred as Sandler’s son in Grown Ups (Columbia Pictures)

The family of the Mirrors actor confirmed his death was linked to an ‘ongoing medical condition’, for which he was receiving treatment.

A statement announcing the heartbreaking news said: “The world is now undoubtedly without one of its brightest lights, but his spirit will live on through the kindness and compassion of all who knew and loved him.

“We are utterly heartbroken and ask for privacy during this immensely difficult time as we grieve the loss of our precious son and brother.”

Proving that Boyce has certainly not been forgotten, Sandler included a tribute to the Disney star in Happy Gilmore 2.

During one scene, his character Happy Gilmore is seen heading towards the check-in booth of a golf course while carrying a bag of clubs.

As he gets closer to the desk, viewers see how the staff members are watching what seems to be an episode of Jessie, the comedy series which Boyce starred in as Luke Ross.

Boyce’s face then briefly flashes on screen – and fans said they were left in bits after spotting the tribute to the late actor.

One person said: “That really just made me cry.”

Another wrote: “My heart. I watched it yesterday and got emotional over it…RIP Cameron Boyce.”

A third added: “That moment hit straight in the feels. Sandler honouring Cameron so gently says everything. Legends live on in the details.”

And a fourth commented: “Great tribute. My wife started crying as soon as she saw it.”

Boyce first made a name for himself after scoring gigs in music videos and on the TV show General Hospital: Night Shift, before he began working with Sandler in 2010.

The comedy star sweetly paid tribute to the late 20-year-old in Happy Gilmore 2(Netflix)

He played the part of Keithie Feder, Sandler’s on-screen son, in Grown Ups – and later praised the comedian as a ‘genius’.

Speaking to Crookes Magazine in 2017, Boyce said: “Sandler is a genius. An unbothered, never fazed, dry humored genius. And yes, working on Grown Ups taught me how to listen.

“As an actor, it’s crucial you keep your ears open, especially when you’re playing opposite comedic legends in almost every scene.

“I learned quickly that the script was just a mere suggestion for people as talented as Sandler, Rock, or Spade. I was just a nine-year-old kid waiting for his cue line.

“That is, until I realised that I might be waiting forever. You’ve got to stay ready because you never know what’s coming your way.”

Following his death six years ago, Sandler shared an emotional social media tribute to Boyce.

“Too young,” he wrote in a post on X. “Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, more 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 us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken.”