Adam Sandler Quietly Honors Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 — Fans Moved by Subtle Tribute

Adam Sandler’s latest film Happy Gilmore 2 has just dropped on Netflix, and fans are already spotting a deeply touching detail—an understated nod to the late actor Cameron Boyce.

It’s been six years since Boyce, who played Sandler’s son in the Grown Ups films, tragically passed away. The young actor was just 20 years old when he died from complications related to epilepsy.

Now, in a brief but powerful moment in Happy Gilmore 2, viewers have noticed a tribute hidden in plain sight. As Sandler’s character approaches a check-in counter carrying golf clubs, a television plays quietly in the background. Upon closer inspection, fans were surprised to see Cameron Boyce on the screen, wearing a blue shirt and holding binoculars.

The footage appears to be a scene from Jessie, the popular Disney Channel show in which Boyce portrayed Luke Ross. In the episode, Luke has a broken leg and uses binoculars to spy on his neighbors from home—a quirky, memorable moment for longtime fans.

Social media quickly lit up with emotional reactions to the subtle tribute. One viewer shared, “Adam put a tiny Cameron Boyce (who played his son in Grown Ups) tribute in Happy Gilmore 2. Excuse me while I sob.”

Another fan wrote: “Sandler sneaking in a scene of Cameron Boyce in #HappyGilmore2… that hit me right in the heart.”

“Just watched Happy Gilmore 2 and saw Jessie playing on the background TV,” said a third. “Rest easy, Cameron Boyce.”

A fourth added: “That scene was such a sweet Easter egg. Loved how Sandler honored Cameron again. My whole family caught it and we were all emotional.”

This isn’t the first time Adam Sandler has paid tribute to Boyce. Back in 2020, his Halloween comedy Hubie Halloween included a heartfelt dedication at the end of the film, originally written with Boyce in mind as part of the cast. 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.”

Boyce’s unexpected death on July 6, 2019, stunned fans around the world. He died in his sleep due to a seizure caused by an ongoing medical condition he’d been managing.

In the wake of his passing, Boyce’s family created The Cameron Boyce Foundation—a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research to find a cure for epilepsy.

Though his time was far too short, tributes like these ensure Cameron Boyce’s legacy continues to shine, both onscreen and in the hearts of those who loved him.