As Happy Gilmore 2 tees off on Netflix this Friday, July 25, 2025, Adam Sandler returns as the hotheaded golfer, joined by original stars like Julie Bowen and Christopher McDonald. However, the sequel, set 29 years after the 1996 cult classic, feels the absence of several beloved actors who have passed away, forcing a “painful” rewrite, particularly due to Carl Weathers’ death. Here’s a look at the Happy Gilmore stars we’ve lost and their lasting impact. 🎬⛳
Carl Weathers – Chubbs Peterson (1948–2024)
Carl Weathers, iconic as Apollo Creed in Rocky, brought heart to Happy Gilmore as Chubbs Peterson, Happy’s one-handed mentor who guided him from hockey to golf. Weathers died in February 2024 at 76, prompting a major overhaul of the sequel’s script. “Carl Weathers had a massive part,” Sandler told Collider. “I would talk to Carl, and we were excited, and then Carl passed away. We had to rewrite a lot of the stuff, and even what the story was”. Early drafts included Chubbs appearing in Happy’s dreams, with a son blaming Happy for his father’s death (Variety). Instead, the film honors Chubbs with “nice references” to his greatness, ensuring his spirit remains (web:7).
Bob Barker – Himself (1923–2023)
Bob Barker’s unforgettable cameo as himself, brawling with Happy in a iconic fight scene, stole the show. Initially meant for Ed McMahon, Barker agreed after learning he’d win the fight, trained by neighbor Chuck Norris (web:14). His line, “The price is wrong,” became a fan favorite. Barker passed away in August 2023 at 99. Sandler mourned on X, calling him “the man, the myth, the best” and a “sweet, funny guy” (post:3). The sequel nods to this legendary moment, a highlight that boosted The Price Is Right’s younger audience (web:14).
Frances Bay – Grandma Gilmore (1919–2011)
Frances Bay played Happy’s lovable Grandma, whose $270,000 IRS debt drove Happy to golf to save her house. Known for roles in David Lynch’s works, Bay suffered a leg amputation after a 2002 car crash and died in 2011 from pneumonia complications at 92 (web:0). Her heartfelt performance as the gentle motivator behind Happy’s journey remains a cornerstone of the film’s emotional core, though she won’t appear in the sequel.
Joe Flaherty – Heckler (1941–2024)
Joe Flaherty, a comedy legend from Freaks and Geeks, had a memorable role as Donald, the heckler hired by Shooter McGavin to rattle Happy. His taunts, like yelling during Happy’s swing, added hilarious tension. Flaherty passed away in 2024 at 82 (web:0). While his role was small, his comedic timing left a mark, and fans will miss his presence in Happy Gilmore 2.
Richard Kiel – Mr. Larson (1939–2014)
Richard Kiel, the 7’2” giant known as Jaws in James Bond, played Mr. Larson, Happy’s intimidating yet supportive former boss. His chase of Shooter McGavin after the Tour Championship was a fan favorite. Kiel died in 2014 at 74, a decade before the sequel’s production (web:0). His towering presence won’t return, but his legacy endures in the original’s cult following.
A Sequel with Heart
Happy Gilmore 2 follows Happy, now retired, returning to golf to fund his daughter Vienna’s ballet school, played by Sandler’s daughter Sunny (web:2). Newcomers like Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce join returning stars Ben Stiller and Dennis Dugan (web:1). Despite the losses, Sandler ensures the sequel honors its predecessors, especially Weathers, with director Kyle Newacheck noting, “Chubbs’ spirit is throughout” (web:18). Share their legacies and join the conversation with Talent Recap! ✨
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