The Ultimate Guide To All 48+ Celebrity Cameos In Happy Gilmore 2: Every Star And Athlete In The Netflix Sequel

The long-awaited sequel, Happy Gilmore 2, has finally arrived on Netflix, and it delivers on the promise of its predecessor: a star-studded, chaotic blend of comedy and sports mayhem. Released to huge fanfare, the film, which sees Adam Sandler reprise his iconic role, is packed with more celebrity and athlete cameos than any Happy Madison production to date, with reports suggesting over 48 recognizable faces.

As of December 10, 2025, fans are meticulously rewatching the film to catch every single surprise appearance, from world-class golfers to Hollywood A-listers and even musical superstars. This comprehensive guide breaks down every confirmed cameo, giving you the definitive list of who showed up to tee off with the legendary Happy Gilmore.

Adam Sandler: Biography and Career Profile

Adam Richard Sandler, born on September 9, 1966, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, and musician.

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• Early Career: Sandler began his career as a stand-up comedian, eventually landing a role as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1990 to 1995, where he became known for his musical comedy and unique characters.
• Film Breakthrough: His transition to film was explosive, with hit comedies like Billy Madison (1995), the original Happy Gilmore (1996), and The Waterboy (1998) solidifying his status as a major box office draw.
• Happy Madison Productions: In 1999, he founded Happy Madison Productions, a company responsible for most of his subsequent comedies, often featuring a rotating cast of his friends and frequent collaborators.
• Dramatic Roles: While primarily known for comedy, Sandler has earned critical acclaim for dramatic performances in films such as Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love (2002), the Safdie brothers' Uncut Gems (2019), and the Netflix sci-fi drama Spaceman (2024).
• Current Projects (2025): Beyond the massive success of Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler's upcoming slate includes the comedy Kinda Pregnant (2025) and the rumored Grown Ups 3.

The Returning Cast and Happy Gilmore’s Inner Circle

A crucial element of the sequel’s success is the return of beloved characters from the original film, many of whom are essentially extended cameos themselves, providing a nostalgic anchor to the new story.

• Julie Bowen as Virginia Venit Gilmore: The love interest from the first film returns, though her role is bittersweet as she is now Happy’s deceased wife, whose memory drives his return to the golf course.
• Christopher McDonald as Shooter McGavin: Happy’s main antagonist, the smarmy and arrogant professional golfer, is back, and his attempts to get off parole provide some of the film's funniest early moments.
• Ben Stiller as Hal: The sadistic orderly from the nursing home in the original film makes a hilarious return, proving that some people just never change.
• Kevin Nealon as Gary: The host of the "Golf Channel" show from the original is back to provide commentary on Happy's latest antics.
• Blake Clark as Murray: A longtime Sandler collaborator, Clark reprises his role as the golf pro who helped Happy early in his career.
• Dennis Dugan: The director of the original Happy Gilmore and many other Sandler classics makes a brief, meta appearance.

The sequel also features the traditional appearance of Adam Sandler's family, including his wife, Jackie Sandler, and daughters, Sadie Sandler and Sunny Sandler, who have roles in the new narrative.

The Shocking Celebrity and Athlete Cameos: A Full Breakdown

The sheer volume of celebrity cameos in Happy Gilmore 2 is staggering, blending high-profile actors, musicians, and the biggest names in professional sports, all eager to be part of the Happy Gilmore sequel.

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The Hollywood and Comedy Stars

The film is peppered with familiar faces from the worlds of comedy and film, often in unexpected and hilarious roles:

• Steve Buscemi: A staple in Sandler films, Buscemi appears in a memorable role, continuing his long-standing collaboration with the actor.
• Eric André and Margaret Qualley: The duo appears as Steiner and Sally, characters who contribute to the film’s zany energy.
• Haley Joel Osment: The former child star and now frequent Sandler collaborator makes an appearance, adding another layer of star power.
• Martin Herlihy: A member of the comedy trio Please Don’t Destroy and a rising star in the Sandler universe, he is listed among the cameos.
• Jon Lovitz: Another SNL and Sandler veteran, Lovitz makes an appearance that long-time fans will instantly recognize.

Music and Sports Icons in Surprise Roles

Perhaps the most talked-about cameos involve global music and sports figures taking on unexpected character roles:

• Bad Bunny (Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio): The Puerto Rican rapper and singer has a significant cameo role, further cementing his move into acting.
• Eminem (Marshall Mathers): In a truly shocking appearance, the legendary rapper shows up as Donald Jr., a character who interacts directly with Happy.
• Kid Cudi: The musician appears in the film as an FBI Agent, adding to the list of unexpected casting choices.
• Travis Kelce: The NFL superstar and cultural icon, who was officially announced as part of the cast, appears in the sequel.
• Reggie Bush: The former NFL running back appears as a character named 8 Ball.
• Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF): The professional wrestler makes a cameo appearance, continuing the film's tradition of high-energy, physical comedy.
• Nikki Garcia: The former professional wrestler (formerly Nikki Bella) appears as a character named Medusa.

The Golf Legends and Athlete Cameos

No Happy Gilmore sequel would be complete without a massive roster of professional golfers, both current and retired, who lend authenticity and humor to the golf world setting.

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• Current and Recent Golf Pros:
  • Nelly Korda: The No. 1 player in women's golf appears as a parole board officer in a scene with Shooter McGavin.
  • Xander Schauffele: The Olympic gold medalist and major champion makes a humorous appearance in the clubhouse.
  • Justin Thomas: A major champion and one of the biggest names in the sport.
  • Tony Finau: The popular PGA Tour pro.
  • Bubba Watson: The two-time Masters champion.
• Golfing Icons and Legends:
  • Jack Nicklaus: One of the greatest golfers of all time, Nicklaus appears during the Tour Champions dinner scene.
  • Fred Couples: The former Masters champion and World Golf Hall of Famer.
  • Nick Faldo: The six-time major winner.
  • Corey Pavin: The former U.S. Open champion.
  • Lee Trevino: Famously quoted in the original, Trevino returns for the sequel’s dinner scene.
  • John Daly: Known for his unique style and powerful swing, Daly makes an expected and welcome appearance.
• Other Athletes:
  • Kelsey Plum: The WNBA star.
  • Andrew Watt: The Grammy-winning musician and producer, who also plays golf.

Why Happy Gilmore 2 Relied on Cameos for Topical Authority

The extensive list of cameos in Happy Gilmore 2 is not just a comedic gimmick; it's a calculated move to establish topical authority and cultural relevance for the sequel. By integrating current cultural figures like Bad Bunny and Travis Kelce alongside timeless golf legends like Jack Nicklaus, the film successfully bridges a 29-year gap.

The sheer number of appearances—over 48, according to some reports—is a testament to Adam Sandler's influence and the goodwill he has built up over decades in Hollywood. The inclusion of professional golfers like Nelly Korda and Xander Schauffele ensures that the film's depiction of the modern golf world feels current and authentic, even amidst the over-the-top comedy.

Ultimately, the cameos serve as a massive, continuous Easter egg for fans, rewarding repeat viewings and generating significant social media buzz. It transforms the movie from a simple sequel into a cultural event, proving that the Happy Gilmore spirit—and Adam Sandler’s phone book—are as strong as ever.