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Economic Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Happy Gilmore 2: All about celebrity guests, golfers, and comedy legends who played cameos
Happy Gilmore 2 will debut on Netflix on Friday, July 25th. Adam Sandler is back as Happy in the second installment of Happy Gilmore, releasing after nearly three decades. Adam Sandler is back as Happy in the second installment of Happy Gilmore, releasing after nearly three decades. It's a story of a failed hockey player who goes on to become a golf sensation, Happy Gilmore, after he stunned the world by defeating top pro Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) in the 1996 Tour Championship. After he wins the championship, he secures his first gold jacket and wins back his beloved grandma's house. Happy Gilmore 2 was released on July 25, 2025 (Friday), and is available on Netflix. The sequel in the franchise reveals how Happy's life has unfolded over the last three decades. Despite not being critically acclaimed, the original Happy Gilmore was widely regarded as one of the most enduring comedy and sports classics of the '90s, drawing in numerous comedy legends, famous sports figures, and other well-known names for the sequel. Steve BuscemiAfter Happy loses his grandma's old house for a second time after his wife Virginia's (Julie Bowen) death, he and daughter Vienna (Sandler's daughter Sunny Sandler) have to move to a rougher part of town, where an odd neighbor, played by longtime Sandler friend Buscemi (who's appeared in over 15 of Sandler's movies), keeps a close watch on what they're up to. Jackie Sandler Jackie Sandler, Adam Sandler's real-life wife, essayed the role of Vienna's Boys & Girls Club dance instructor Monica. She secures Happy's daughter, Vienna, a highly coveted spot at the Paris Opera Ballet School by submitting a tape of her dancing. Ken Jennings Ken Jennings, the host of Jeopardy!, also has a small and quick cameo in that exact role when Vienna pulls up a clip from the quiz show where Jennings reads out a clue with Happy as the answer: 'With his amazing long drives and hockey player's temper, this golfer won the first of his six Tour Championships in 1996.'The contestants, Unfortunately, are puzzled and quickly give wrong answers: 'Happy Goldberg,' 'Happy Gudenstein,' and 'Skippy Goldenbaum.' John Daly In the world of Happy Gilmore, it makes sense that the unconventional golf legend Daly, a real-life fan favorite known for his bold style and rebellious attitude that changed pro golf, would spend his retirement living in Happy's garage. Kelsey Plum and Andrew Watt When Happy shows up at the municipal golf course to try out his swing after ten years of being inactive and drinking, the course starters are played by WNBA star Plum and Grammy-winning producer Watt—who's known for working with the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Pearl Jam, and others, and has been called the Rock Hall of Fame whisperer. Margaret Qualley, Eric André, and Martin Herlihy Happy is paired with three amateurs at the municipal course who believe that just one lesson at the Golf Hut will totally change their game. Sally, Steiner, and Fitzy are played by The Substance star Qualley, comedian André, and Saturday Night Live's Please Don't Destroy troupe member Herlihy, respectively. Dan Patrick The host of Sports Hole with Pat Daniels, who reports on Happy's drunken antics at the municipal course, is played by sportscaster and radio host Patrick, who is also the real-life host of The Dan Patrick Show. Tim Herlihy, Nelly Korda, and Nancy Lopez The parole board at Westford State Mental Hospital, which decides Shooter isn't fit for release, consists of Drs. Hertz, Young, and Silver—that is, Happy Gilmore co-writer Herlihy (father of Martin mentioned earlier), current top-ranked LPGA golfer Korda, and former LPGA star Lopez. Jonathan Loughran Jonathan Loughran, another longtime member of Sandler's movie crew, appears as the "crazy eye orderly" who finally lets Shooter return to public life after spending 29 years in a mental institution. Sadie Sandler Happy's main ally at the Healing Alkies for Life (H.A.L.) alcohol treatment program, Charlotte, is played by Sandler's older daughter, Sadie. Kym Whitley Bessie, the overly enthusiastic member of H.A.L. who doesn't seem to get that the support group is supposed to be anonymous, is played by comedian Kym Whitley. Ben Stiller Reprising his role from the first movie, Stiller is back in peak tormenter form as retirement home orderly-turned-addiction support group leader Hal L. Naturally, his preferred method of therapy still revolves around manual labor that saves him some time and effort in his own life. You're in his world now, Happy. Alix Earle, Sean Evans, Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Cam'ron, and Treasure Wilson The real-life hosts of Hot Mess, Hot Ones, Bad Friends, and Talk with Flee all invite Manatee as a guest during his press tour to promote Maxi Golf. Other cameos There are several more entertaining cameos from both celebrity guests and familiar faces from the sports and comedy worlds. Paige Spiranac appears as Wendy, helping Happy choose new golf clubs, and Blake Clark shows up as an old man trying (and failing) to assist with Happy's training on the beach. Dennis Dugan, who directed the original movie, returns as Tour Championship commissioner Doug Thompson, while model Jon Lovett plays a 'dapper man' at the driving range, continually foiled by Happy's powerful legendary and current golf pros pop up during the film, like Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, Lee Trevino, and Jordan Spieth, among others, sharing the screen with Happy during key tournament scenes. Travis Kelce makes a memorable appearance as a waiter trying to impress the golfers, and Bad Bunny gives Oscar, a busboy turned caddy, plenty of personality. Verne Lundquist and Jack Giarraputo again team up as Tour Championship announcers, and stars like Kevin Nealon, Rob Schneider, Stephen A. Smith, and Post Malone step into fun, often quirky roles. The movie also boasts celebrity cameos from names like Marcello Hernandez, Boban Marjanović, and Guy Fieri, who add their comedic flavors to the story. There are even more wild moments with athletes like Reggie Bush, Rebecca Quin, Nikki Garcia, and, in true 'Happy Gilmore' fashion, Eminem, who drops a classic insult before being thrown into an alligator pond.
Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Happy Gilmore 2 review: Can Sandler (and a LOT of cameos) solve a problem like legacy sequels?
It appears that there are no original ideas in Hollywood anymore, with the legacy sequel becoming more and more common in cinema. While they sometimes work — Top Gun: Maverick being the best example of the bunch — many were worried once Happy Gilmore 2 was announced; not only as a legacy sequel, but as a Netflix exclusive. While Happy Gilmore remains a cult classic, and arguably one of Adam Sandler's best films, a sequel nearly three decades later that would only be released on the streaming giant rather than getting a cinema release, would have some fans worried that we were going to get some more slop. And while there are more cameos than can count, the writing, somehow, makes up for it. Adam Sandler reprises his role as the hockey mad golfer Happy Gilmore, now 30 years older with a drinking problem. Pic: Netflix **SPOILER ALERT FOR HAPPY GILMORE 2 NOW IN EFFECT. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!** The film kicks off with 30 years of exposition, which includes Happy winning five more Tour Championships and having five children with his wife Virginia Venit – who was killed after an errant drive from her husband as he teed off. Yep, I guess Julie Bowen has made enough money from Modern Family just to show up for five minutes in this film. Good for her, I guess. The all is lost moment comes quick in here, with Happy ending up a broke alcoholic who loses his grandmother's house again, working a minimum wage job while hiding his drinking problem in increasingly unlikely hip flasks. Bad Bunny is a highlight of the film as Happy's caddy. Pic: Scott Yamano/Netflix When he learns that his only daughter gets accepted into a prestigious ballet school in Paris — that will cost over $300,000 — Happy dusts off the clubs and re-enters the tour (after nearly killing three people he was playing a round with to try and get back into shape). From there, the guest appearances come thick and fast, and while half of them get spoiled in the trailer, there are some moments that will have you shout 'oh my god, they got THEM!?' while stars from the original movie (minus a few who have passed on either in the film or in real life) carry the film. Christopher McDonald returns as Shooter McGavin, now committed to a mental hospital after going crazy because he didn't win, and ends up doing a lot of heavy lifting in the third act, Bad Bunny — yes, the rapper — plays an absolute blinder as the Tour's bus boy/Happy's caddy and is a highlight of the film, while Ben Stiller's character Hal L. trades in his nursing scrubs for AA chips (but don't worry, the physical labour remains). Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin and Adam Sandler as Happy Gilmore in Happy Gilmore 2. Pic: Scott Yamano/Netflix Of course, the film needs a big bad; and while Shooter wouldn't have been a necessarily terrible choice, the antagonists come in the form of the all too familiar new golf league that plans to destroy 'traditional' golf and tries to recruit some of golf's biggest pros (now where have we heard that recently?) Happy ends up joining a motley crew of golfers (including our own Rory McIlroy) to try and take down the in your face 'Maxi Golf' league; and while this is where the final act drags, you can't blame the pros for trying (Rory, it's a good thing you finally got that grand slam, because an Oscar is unfortunately not in your future). While the film uses almost too many clips from the original to fill in the gaps, and as we mentioned before the final game between the traditional golfers and the Maxi Golf golfers goes on, and on, and on… there is enough here to get plenty of chuckles out of viewers. The slapstick comedy in some of the golf rounds are pretty great, the extent of Happy's alcoholism and his increasingly unlikely hip flasks are hilarious, while Christopher McDonald hits a hole in one returning as Shooter. Could this have worked better as a cinematic release, like other legacy sequels that will be coming out later this year? Probably. But hey, I guess Netflix were willing to pay all those celebrities upfront for their appearances. rating: 3/5. Happy Gilmore is available on Netflix.
Time Magazine
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Every Cameo in 'Happy Gilmore 2'
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Happy Gilmore 2. It's been nearly 30 years since failed hockey player-turned-surprise golf sensation Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) stunned the world by defeating top pro Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) in the 1996 Tour Championship, securing his first gold jacket and winning back his beloved grandma's house. Now, Sandler is reprising his role as the hot-headed but lovable Happy for Happy Gilmore 2, a long-awaited sequel that reveals how his life has turned out over the last three decades. Spoiler alert: Things haven't been great for Happy since he accidentally hit and killed his loving wife Virginia (Julie Bowen) with one of his all-too-powerful drives, leaving their four sons, Gordie (Maxwell Jacob Friedman), Bobby (Philip Schneider), Wayne (Ethan Cutkosky), and Terry (Conor Sherry), and daughter Vienna (Sandler's daughter Sunny Sandler), without a mother. After turning to booze, running out of money, and once again losing his now-late grandma's house, Happy is a shell of his former self. But when he returns to golf in an attempt to earn enough winnings to pay for Vienna's fancy ballet school, it sets him on a crash course to face off with shady businessman Frank Manatee (Benny Safdie), the creator of a new stunt-based rival golf league dubbed Maxi Golf, and Manatee's surgically-enhanced all-star Billy Jenkins (Haley Joel Osment). While the original Happy Gilmore wasn't a critical darling, it's widely considered one of the most enduring '90s comedy—and sports—classics. So it only makes sense the sequel would attract a multitude of comedy legends, prominent sports figures, and other notable names. Here, in order of appearance, are all the cameos in Happy Gilmore 2, now streaming on Netflix. Steve Buscemi When Happy loses grandma's old house for a second time following Virginia's death, he and Vienna are forced to move to a seedier part of town where an off-putting neighbor played by longtime Sandler pal Buscemi (who has appeared in more than 15 of the Sandman's films) keeps a close eye on their activities. Jackie Sandler Sandler's real-life wife takes on the role of Vienna's Boys & Girls Club dance instructor Monica, who secures Vienna a highly-coveted spot at the Paris Opera Ballet School by submitting a tape of her dancing. Ken Jennings The host of Jeopardy! makes a brief cameo in exactly that capacity when Vienna pulls up a clip from the quiz show in which Jennings reads out a clue to which Happy is the answer: "With his amazing long drives and hockey player's temper, this golfer won the first of his six Tour Championships in 1996." Unfortunately, the contestants are stumped, striking out with incorrect guesses of "Happy Goldberg," "Happy Gudenstein," and "Skippy Goldenbaum" in quick succession. John Daly In the world of Happy Gilmore, it's reasonable that unorthodox golf legend Daly (a real-life fan-favorite whose bold style and anti-establishment attitude changed the dynamic of professional golf) would be spending his retirement living in Happy's garage. Kelsey Plum and Andrew Watt When Happy arrives at the municipal golf course to test out his swing after a decade of inactivity and boozing, the starters working the course are portrayed by WNBA star Plum and Grammy-winning record producer Watt (who's known for his collaborations with the Rolling Stones, Elton John, Ozzy Osbourne, Pearl Jam, and more, and has been referred to as the Rock Hall of Fame whisperer). Margaret Qualley, Eric André, and Martin Herlihy At the municipal course, Happy is grouped with three amateurs who are under the impression that a single lesson at Golf Hut will be a serious game-changer. Sally, Steiner, and Fitzy are played by The Substance star Qualley, comedian André, and Saturday Night Live's Please Don't Destroy in-house sketch troupe member Herlihy, respectively. Dan Patrick The host of Sports Hole with Pat Daniels, who breaks the news of Happy's drunken hijinks at the municipal course, is played by sportscaster and radio personality Patrick, the real-life host of The Dan Patrick Show. Tim Herlihy, Nelly Korda, and Nancy Lopez The parole board at the Westford State Mental Hospital that deems Shooter unfit for release is made up of Drs. Hertz, Young, and Silver—a.k.a. Happy Gilmore co-writer Herlihy (father of the aforementioned Martin), current #1 ranked golfer on the LPGA Tour Korda, and former LPGA superstar Lopez. Jonathan Loughran Another longtime member of Sandler's film entourage, Loughran pops up as the so-called "crazy eye orderly" who eventually releases Shooter back into public life after his 29-year stint in a mental institute. Sadie Sandler Charlotte, Happy's main ally at the Healing Alkies for Life (H.A.L.) alcohol treatment program, is played by Sandler's older daughter Sadie. Clearly, Sandler loves a family affair. Kym Whitley Bessie, the overenthusiastic member of H.A.L. who doesn't seem to understand the support group is intended to be anonymous, is brought to life by comedian Whitley. Ben Stiller Reprising his role from the first movie, Stiller is back in peak tormenter form as retirement home orderly-turned-addiction support group leader Hal L. Naturally, his preferred method of therapy still revolves around manual labor that saves him some time and effort in his own life. You're in his world now, Happy. Alix Earle, Sean Evans, Bobby Lee, Andrew Santino, Cam'ron, and Treasure Wilson The real-life hosts of Hot Mess, Hot Ones, Bad Friends, and Talk with Flee all bring on Manatee as a guest during his press circuit to promote Maxi Golf. Read More: Benny Safdie on Playing the Villain in Happy Gilmore 2 Paige Spiranac Model and former pro golfer Spiranac briefly appears as Wendy, a Dick's Sporting Goods employee who helps Happy pick out some new clubs. Blake Clark Clark, another Sandler movie regular, shows up as the old man on the beach who makes a poor attempt at assisting with Happy's training. Jon Lovett Credited simply as "dapper man," Lovett's hits at the driving range are continually thwarted by Happy decimating his balls with his own much-more-powerful drives. Dennis Dugan Dugan, the director of the original Happy Gilmore, is back in his role as Tour Championship commissioner Doug Thompson for the sequel. The Tour Champions Dinner pros If there's one thing Happy Gilmore 2 is chock-full of, it's professional golf cameos. During the Tour Champions dinner scene, retired golf legends Fred Couples, Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus, Corey Pavin, and Lee Trevino (of "Grizzly Adams did have a beard" fame from the original) are all seated at or near Happy's table. Current pros Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley, and Collin Morikawa are also in the room. Travis Kelce Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Taylor Swift boyfriend Kelce shows off his acting chops as a waiter at the Tour Champions Dinner who makes a big show out of wanting to impress the golfers. Bad Bunny Busboy-turned-caddy Oscar is more than a cameo role, but we're including him here anyway since he's played by global reggaeton phenom Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio—or as most know him, Bad Bunny. Verne Lundquist and Jack Giarraputo Once again playing himself, sportscaster Lundquist pairs back up with his fictional partner Jack Beard (played by Happy Gilmore producer Giarraputo) to announce the Tour Championship. The Tour Championship golfers Pro golfers Tony Finau, Will Zalatoris (the caddy Happy chokes out in the original), Justin Thomas, Bubba Watson, Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy, and Brooks Koepka all play alongside Happy in the U.S. Bank Tour Championship. Scheffler, DeChambeau, McIlroy, and Koepka later join Happy in the battle against the Maxi League golfers. Kevin Nealon Nealon's Gary Potter, Happy's onetime course partner who famously advised him to send his ball home in the first movie, now apparently works as a correspondent for the Tour Championship. Rob Schneider In Happy's new and improved happy place fantasy, Schneider takes over the role of the tricycle cowboy and cheers Happy on with a rendition of his famous "You can do it!" line from The Waterboy, another beloved Sandler joint. Marcello Hernandez SNL cast member Hernandez joins in the fun as Oscar's eccentric cousin Esteban—and volunteers to be pelted with golf balls by the pros as part of a training exercise. Stephen A. Smith Sports analyst Smith appears as himself to deliver some of his signature over-the-top commentary on Happy's unexpected two days of success—and eventual third-day failure—at the Tour Championship. Boban Marjanović Some retconning of a scene from the first movie allows for Happy to feasibly recall Marjanović's Drago Larson, the son of Happy's old construction boss Mr. Larson (the late Richard Kiel) who has once again shown up to support Happy on the course. Oh, and Drago's mother Judy just so happens to be played by Sandler's mom (also named Judy). Robert Smigel Smigel's IRS agent, who repossessed Happy's grandma's house in the first movie and was subsequently thrown through a glass door, returns as a lawyer who takes on Happy's case after he runs into trouble at the Tour Championship. Lavell Crawford Comedian and Breaking Bad alum Crawford appears as Slim Peterson, the son of Happy's late mentor Chubbs (the late Carl Weathers) who also sports a prosthetic hand and helps the Tour Championship pros train to defeat the Maxi golfers. Post Malone Rapper Post Malone takes on the mantle of DJ Omar Gosh, the third announcer at the Maxi Tour Challenge alongside the tried-and-true Verne Lundquist and Jack Beard. The Maxi League golfers In addition to Billy, Manatee's team of clownish Maxi League contenders is made up of Harley (actor Oliver Hudson), Screech (actor Fernando Marrero), 8 Ball (former NFL star Reggie Bush), Flex (pro wrestler Rebecca Quin), and Medusa (pro wrestler Nikki Garcia). Guy Fieri The starter at the Maxi Tour Challenge is none other than Food Network icon Fieri. Because who else would it be? Eminem When Manatee realizes Happy and his fellow pros aren't going down easy, he calls in some backup in the form of the son of Shooter's Sizzler-loving lackey Donald (the late Joe Flaherty) from the original. Naturally, this role belongs to Eminem, who gets out a good ol-fashioned "Jackass!" before Happy's sons toss him into an alligator-infested water hazard.
The Sun
22-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
When did Ronnie O'Sullivan last win a snooker title?
RONNIE O'SULLIVAN is back at the Crucible stage as he seeks to restore himself amongst snooker's elite - but when was the last time the great won? O'Sullivan, 49, has been drawn with his old foe Ali Carter in a rematch of the 2008 and 2012 finals, while his participation is still pending. 2 2 Since making his Crucible debut in 1993 at the age of 17, he has never missed the competition. He has won seven titles in 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020, and 2022 - O'Sullivan needs one more win to pass Stephen Hendry as the all-time leader. Despite withdrawing from five ranking tournaments this year due to "medical grounds," SunSport understands the Rocket plans to participate in the tournament for the 33rd consecutive year. O'Sullivan missed all competitive events since January, but after having a successful practice week in Saudi Arabia, he is expected to compete. When did Ronnie O'Sullivan last win a snooker title? Though O'Sullivan has endured a lengthy history of success, recent triumphs have been far and few between. He did not make it to the Players and Tour Championships, hence his lack of participation puts him in 31st place on the one-year ranking list. Since last year's Tour Championship, which took place a month after his most recent tournament victory, he has not advanced to a ranking final. The snooker legend's last ranking victory occurred in the World Grand Prix in January 2024, and that occurred before his triumph at the World Masters of Snooker, a non-ranking competition.
