Fans were expecting to laugh and remember when Happy Gilmore 2 came out on Netflix on July 25.
But they didn’t expect to cry over a little homage to the late Cameron Boyce.
Sadly, the actor who played Adam Sandler’s son Keithie in Grown Ups and Grown Ups 2 died in July 2019 at the age of 20.
Six years later, Sandler has found another modest but effective way to remember his former co-star, and viewers have been moved by the gesture.
The tribute that made people cry
In Happy Gilmore 2, Sandler’s character approaches a golf course check-in desk in the opening scene. A TV behind the counter plays a scene from Jessie on the Disney Channel. People can catch a glimpse of Boyce’s character, Luke Ross, there. It’s a straightforward, heartfelt homage to the actor who gave the movie so much vitality.
Fans instantly flocked to social media to talk about how they felt. A viewer wrote: “Adam Sandler honoring Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 makes my heart melt.” Someone else said, “Please excuse me while I cry.”
In Happy Gilmore 2, Adam paid a small homage to Cameron Boyce, who portrayed his child in Grown Ups. “Pardon me while I cry,” remarked another person on X.
Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images
The Boyce family then started The Cameron Boyce Foundation to raise money for epilepsy research and raise awareness, hoping to keep other families from going through the same thing.
A legacy that friends and co-stars will always remember
Sandler was one of several famous people who paid respect to Boyce when he died. He and Boyce were great friends. He wrote on Instagram, “Too young,” which broke my heart. Way too sweet. So funny. The best, most brilliant, and kindest kid around.
That kid was great. Loved his family very much. Loved the planet so much. Thank you for everything you did for us, Cameron. There was so much more to come. We are all heartbroken.
During the credits of the 2020 film Hubie Halloween, Sandler honored Boyce with a card that read, “In loving memory of Cameron Boyce.” He abandoned us far too soon. He was among the smartest, funniest, coolest, and friendliest children we had ever met. Our hearts will always hold a place for you.
His co-stars have also kept his memory alive. Three of Boyce’s Descendants co-stars—Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, and Sarah Jeffery—posted touching tributes on Instagram earlier this month to honor the sixth anniversary of his passing.
Director Kenny Ortega wrote, “I can’t forget you, Cameron.” When you walked into a room, the light got brighter because you were there.
Boyce was more than just a child star
He was in Disney Channel favorites like Jessie, Descendants, and Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything, as well as Mirrors, Eagle Eye, Runts, and the HBO show Mrs. Fletcher. He also acted in Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, which showed how flexible and talented he is as an actor.
Boyce was recognized for his activism and compassion, which his parents believe were very important to him.
Libby Boyce stated, “Our main message is to take that diagnosis very seriously.” And the doctors don’t tell you how terrible it is, but you need to know it is… I think about it every day, “Why did this kid die?” I know that people are protected because of him.
Too soon gone, but not forgotten
Cameron Boyce’s life was short, yet he had a huge impact on the world. His legacy lives on via every homage, cameo, and social media post. Friends like Adam Sandler keep his memory alive with love, humor, and kindness.
Netflix now has Happy Gilmore 2 available to stream.