Happy Gilmore gave us horrible golf swings, endlessly quotable lines and a hilarious cast - here's where the stars are today
The 1996 film Happy Gilmore is still beloved and quoted to this day.
Almost 30 years later, the Adam Sandler flick still has a cult following – and now, it's about to get even bigger.
In May 2024 it was announced Netflix would be taking on the mammoth role of creating a Happy Gilmore sequel.
On March 18, 2025, they released the first trailer for the film, confirming not only the release date (July 25, for those wondering) but also that the team has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create a sequel that looks as though it could rival its predecessor.
The film sees several familiar faces return to the screen, as well as some newcomers including Travis Kelce, Margaret Qualley and Bad Bunny.
So, in honour of the original Happy GIlmore film, lets take a look at where the cast are today (and more importantly who's coming back for round 2).
Lee Trevino: Then
Lee Trevino made a cameo appearance in Happy Gilmore playing none other than himself.
The professional golfer is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, having been inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame more than a decade before appearing in the film.
Among movie fans, he became known for his iconic line, "Grizzly Adams DID have a beard".
But the golf pro doesn't exactly look back on the film with fond memories.
Lee Trevino: Now
Back in 2013, Trevino revealed he has some regrets about his appearance in Happy Gilmore.
"If they were going to use all those foul words in there, I never would have done it," he said at the UT Tyler Patriot Golf Classic.
Basically, he said that he wishes he had read the script first.
So we can probably assume Trevino won't be making an appearance in the film's sequel.
Adam Sandler: Then
A year after his big Hollywood break with Billy Madison, Adam Sandler cemented himself as a comedy genius when he took on another goofy title role.
Sandler starred in the film as Happy Gilmore, a failed ice hockey player hoping to make enough cash to stop the foreclosure of his grandmothers home.
So, he takes to golf as an answer to his trouble and becomes renowned for his wild yet effective swing.
Adam Sandler: Now
Since the release of Happy Gilmore, Sandler has become not only one of the most well-known names in comedy, but in Hollywood as a whole.
He's known to star along some of Hollywood's leading ladies, including Drew Barrymore and Jennifer Aniston, and is regarded by pretty much everyone he works with as a great guy.
Over the years the actor has mainly stuck to comedy, even owning his own film and television production company names Happy Madison Productions, combining two of his earliest roles.
In 2014 he signed a four-movie deal with Netflix (which was extended in 2017 and again in 2020) which saw him star in his first crime/thriller Uncut Gems (pictured).
The movie was a huge pivot with fans worried he wouldn't be able to pull of the dramatic acting required, but Sandler shocked audiences with many considering his performance the highlight of his career.
Now it seems Sandler is nearing the end of his deal with the global streaming service, but first there's one huge movie fans simply can't wait for.
Adam Sandler: Now
Of course, it's the highly anticipated sequel to Happy Gilmore, the aptly named Happy Gilmore 2.
Sandler is set to reprise his role as the goofy golfer, but there's not much known about his story this time round as of yet.
Julie Bowen: Then
Julie Bowen starred in the film as Virginia Venit, the PR director of the pro golf tour.
It quickly becomes apparent Happy is into her and by the end of the film, the two are a happy couple.
Julie Bowen: Now
Following her role in Happy Gilmore, Bowen went on to appear in movies such as Multiplicity and An American Werewolf in Paris, but her real success came on the small screen.
Bowen has appeared in several shows including ER, Dawson's Creek and Lost, but if you're wondering where you know her name from, we can almost promise you it's from Modern Family.
Bowen starred on the hit sitcom from 2009 to 2020 as Claire Dunphy, the matriarch of the Dunphy family.
The show was one of the most popular sitcoms of the last few decades with Bowen nominated for six consecutives Emmys as supporting actress, taking home the win in 2011 and 2012.
A mum to two boys, she's founded her own brand JB Skrub, targeted at other mums struggling to keep their teenagers clean.
But she hasn't left acting behind just yet.
Julie Bowen: Now
Bowen is another one of the original Happy Gilmore stars set to reprise her role in the sequel.
In a 2024 interview on Today With Hoda & Jenna, she let slip that Virginia and Happy are still "very much together" more than 25 years later.
Christopher McDonald: Then
Shooter McGavin was expertly played in the first film by Christopher McDonald.
The character served as the film's main antagonist, an stuck-up professional golfer at the top of his game, disapproving of Happy's bizarre interest in the sport.
