Adam Sandler has quietly honored his onscreen son – the late Cameron Boyce – in the long-awaited Happy Gilmore sequel – a subtle tribute that didn’t go unnoticed by eagle-eyed viewers and longtime fans of both stars.
Adam Sandler, 58, who’s known not only for his comedy but also for his loyalty to friends and collaborators, included a sweet Easter egg for the late Cameron Boyce in his newly released film, Happy Gilmore 2, which dropped on Netflix in late July.
Boyce was more than just a talented actor – the former Disney star was a bright light in Hollywood and a beloved member of Sandler’s extended film family.
The two first worked together on Grown Ups (2010) and its sequel Grown Ups 2 (2013), where Boyce played Keithie, the son of Sandler’s character.
In 2019, just before Boyce was set to set to start filming with Sandler again on the spooky Netflix comedy Hubie Halloween, the 20-year-old died of an epileptic seizure – a condition he had been quietly managing. When the film was released on October 7, 2020, it included a warm dedication to honor his memory.
The tribute read: “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.”
Adam Sandler’s sweet tribute to late Disney star Cameron Boyce
On July 7, the day after Boyce died, Sandler also shared an emotional post on X, that included a black-and-white photo of the young man he said was the “most decent kid around.”
“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,” Sandler wrote. “So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.”
And, despite it being six years since the young actor died, Sandler again proved Boyce still lives in his heart with a subtle tribute that comes early in Happy Gilmore 2.
In the scene, Sandler’s character checks in at a golf booth and the camera briefly cuts to two staff members sitting behind the counter of the shack. They’re casually watching a show on a small TV – but look closely, and you’ll recognize the familiar face of Boyce, lighting up the screen.
The footage appears to be from Jessie, the beloved Disney Channel series where Boyce played the mischievous and lovable Luke Ross from 2011 to 2015.
The sweet inclusion of the late actor did not go unnoticed by fans, who were quick to share their reactions on social media, with comments ranging from “tears in my eyes” to “such a beautiful tribute.”
“Beautiful touch”
“Adam put a tiny Cameron Boyce (played his son in Grown Ups) tribute in Happy Gilmore 2. Excuse me while I sob,” writes one online user.
“I literally saw this and was like that’s Jessie and then realized it only showed him,” penned a second fan.
“That was such a subtle, beautiful touch. Cameron’s legacy lives on in the smallest moments. Adam really got hearts with that one,” offered a third.
“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,” shared another.
While Happy Gilmore 2 promises plenty of laughs and nostalgic callbacks, it’s this quiet tribute that may end up being the most memorable moment of all. In just a few seconds, Adam Sandler managed to remind the world of a life gone too soon – and of the lasting impact one person can make.
Did you catch the brief cameo? Please let us know what you think of Sandler’s sweet tribute and then share this story so we can hear from others!
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