Happy Gilmore stars who have died since first film as Netflix sequel is announced

It’s official – Happy Gilmore 2 is in the works at Netflix, and we’re all losing it.

After a period of terrible movie after terrible movie, Adam Sandler has returned to making bangers of late.

This is set to continue with the actor on board to return for a Netflix sequel to the iconic 90s golf film.

Unfortunately, though, not everyone will be able to return – as some actors have tragically passed away in the years since the film released.

Here are some of the actors who have passed away since the original.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers peacefully passed away in his sleep on 1 February 2024. (Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

The most high profile of the film’s deaths – Carl Weathers died in February of this year, 2024.

Weathers is known predominantly for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, though had found a recent resurgent fame in The Mandalorian.

Playing ‘Chubbs’ in Happy Gilmore, Happy’s golf instructor, his positive attitude and heart will be sorely missed from the sequel.

Sandler posted a tribute following his death saying: “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete.

“So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell.

“Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

Bob Barker

The Wheel of Fortune host cameoed as himself in the film, getting into a fistfight with Happy, leading to the iconic line: “The price is wrong, b*tch”.

Barker died in August of last year at 99.

In tribute to Barker following his death, frequent Sandler collaborator Rob Schneider said:

“One of the nicest things I ever heard in showbusiness was Bob Barker saying, ‘I moved to Hollywood to be an actor and the only person who ever let me do it was Adam Sandler!’ This scene with them was and will always be absolutely hilarious”.

Frances Bay and Joe Flaherty

Joe Flaherty. (Universal Pictures)

The final two will be keenly missed in any sequel to the film.

Frances Bay played Grandma Gilmore in the movie, and was an absolutely prolific actor, appearing in over 180 projects over her whole life.

She sadly died at 92 in 2011.

Finally, whilst he may have played just a small role in the film, Joe Flaherty will be a huge miss in any sequel.

Flaherty played Donald, the heckler paid by shooter to distract Happy – his iconic 'Jackass' yell at the golfer has become one of the more well remembered lines from the film.

The comedy legend died just last month, meaning there is a real chance he was involved in plans for the film before his sad passing.

Whilst Sandler is confirmed, and Christopher McDonald and Julie Bowen are almost sure to return, these legends will all be missed.