Adam Sandler honored his late friend Cameron Boyce in a subtle yet meaningful way in the recent film Happy Gilmore 2, weaving the tribute into the background without fanfare. The tribute, which features a brief clip of Cameron’s Disney Channel work appearing on a television screen in the movie, serves as a personal nod that connects deeply to their friendship and past collaborations.
How Adam Sandler Paid Tribute to Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2
Adam Sandler’s choice to include Cameron Boyce in Happy Gilmore 2 came naturally during filming, a quiet gesture without any elaborate setup. Sandler explained that the filmmakers were deciding what to show on a TV screen in one scene and simply decided to honor Cameron as part of their extended family. The inclusion of Boyce’s image was a spontaneous tribute by those close to him.
“This was just a moment where we were like, ‘What should we throw on the TV?’”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
“We said, ‘Might as well throw Cameron in there. He’s the man. Keep him part of our family.’ And so that’s why we did it.”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
Remembering Cameron Boyce’s Impact and Friendship with Sandler
Adam Sandler’s tribute stems from the deep bond formed while filming Grown Ups, where Cameron Boyce appeared as a beloved castmate. Sandler fondly recalled Cameron as a perpetually positive presence on set, describing him as one of the kindest and most uplifting people he had met.
“Love that kid. He was one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met—just constantly in a good mood, constantly great energy, loving to everybody,”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
“He felt like a family member to us when we were shooting Grown Ups.”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
Boyce’s untimely death in 2019 from a seizure in his sleep deeply affected Sandler and the film community. Before his passing, Cameron was slated to appear in Sandler’s 2020 film Hubie Halloween—a project where Sandler later added a post-credits tribute to honor him.
“One of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew,”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
“We were getting ready to have a great time together, and we lost him,”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
“We think of him all the time.”
—Adam Sandler, actor and comedian
Family Appreciation for Sandler’s Meaningful Gesture
The tribute did not go unnoticed by Cameron Boyce’s family, particularly his mother, Libby Boyce, who expressed her gratitude publicly after viewers spotted the homage. She highlighted the ongoing connection Adam Sandler maintains with Cameron’s memory and the sincere friendship they shared.
“Adam always finds a way to keep Cams memory alive,”
—Libby Boyce, Cameron Boyce’s mother
<em>which warms our heart.
“Adam and Cameron talked quite a bit in the days leading up to his death,”
—Libby Boyce, Cameron Boyce’s mother
“Cameron was supposed to be in Hubies [sic] Halloween and they were strategizing. They had a bond I think related to being authentic, funny and just keeping it real.”
—Libby Boyce, Cameron Boyce’s mother
Unexpected Celebrity Friendships That Highlight Genuine Bonds
Beyond Sandler’s touching tribute, surprising friendships among celebrities underline the importance of real connections in Hollywood. These relationships often develop in unexpected ways, crossing genres and industries.
Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon’s Long-Standing Partnership
Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon have maintained a close friendship for years, often collaborating professionally. They co-starred in A Wrinkle in Time and Mindy has appeared notably in Witherspoon’s The Morning Show. Currently, both women work together on Legally Blonde 3, blending their talents creatively.
The Unlikely Friendship Between Ayesha Curry and Lindsay Lohan
Food Network personality Ayesha Curry and actress Lindsay Lohan first bonded during a trip to Dubai, growing their friendship since then. The connection is so meaningful that Ayesha and her husband Stephen Curry are godparents to Lindsay and Bader Shammas’ son, Laui, strengthening their families’ ties.
Adam Sandler’s Connection with Timothée Chalamet
Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet, who co-starred in the 2014 film Men, Women & Children, were reunited recently during a casual basketball game in New York City, showing their continued friendship beyond the screen.
Russell Crowe and RZA: A Friendship Beyond Film Collaboration
Russell Crowe and Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA have worked together on several film projects including The Man with the Iron Fists and American Gangster, but their relationship extends past professional ties. Crowe described giving advice to a friend as effortless within their bond.
“It is no effort for me to give a friend advice. Film has many gods and you have to understand, as a director, you will be required to please and appease them all.”
—Russell Crowe, actor
Michelle Dockery and Pippa Middleton’s Unexpected Meeting
Michelle Dockery, known for Downton Abbey, shared how she and Pippa Middleton first met when Pippa visited the set with her brother James. Both are fans of the show, leading to a friendship rekindled thanks to a chance encounter at Wimbledon.
“She actually came on-set with her brother, James, a few years ago,”
—Michelle Dockery, actress
“They are good fans of the show.”
—Michelle Dockery, actress
David Beckham and Snoop Dogg’s Cross-Industry Friendship
When footballer David Beckham moved to Los Angeles, he formed a friendship with rapper Snoop Dogg. Their bond includes informal soccer matches and sharing new music, reflecting a unique connection between a sports star and a musician.
Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart’s Friendship Beyond Film
Former child stars Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart have acted together in Twilight and The Runaways but maintain their friendship beyond work, emphasizing personal rather than professional conversations when they meet.
“When we’re together, we’re not talking about movie stuff.”
—Dakota Fanning, actress
Paris Hilton and Britney Spears Maintain Their Longtime Bond
Paris Hilton and Britney Spears have remained close since hanging out together in the early 2000s, sustaining their friendship across the years despite changing careers and personal circumstances.
Nicki Minaj and Anna Wintour’s Fashion-Driven Connection
Despite vastly different styles, rapper Nicki Minaj and fashion executive Anna Wintour bonded over a shared moment at an Oscar de la Renta show. Their friendship includes mutual respect and unexpected cultural exchanges.
50 Cent and Bette Midler: An Unlikely Duo United by Charity
Rapper 50 Cent and singer-actress Bette Midler formed a connection while working for the New York Restoration Project. Midler praised him warmly for making a positive impact in her life.
“He’s one of the newest members of our tribe. He’s really made my life worth living.”
—Bette Midler, singer and actress
Taylor Swift and Lena Dunham’s Mutual Respect
Taylor Swift and Lena Dunham share a strong respect despite different public personas. Dunham described Swift’s show as deeply inspiring, showing an authentic admiration across their distinct creative fields.
Jennifer Lopez and Leah Remini’s Fashion Friendship
Jennifer Lopez and actress Leah Remini have developed a close friendship, bonding over fashion and playful social media interactions marked by their hashtag #luckybesties.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Unexpected Rap Enthusiasm and Friendship with Jay-Z
Gwyneth Paltrow, known for her wellness brand Goop, is an avid rap fan and has formed friendships both with Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Her children affectionately refer to Jay-Z as “Uncle Jay,” revealing a close family connection.
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill’s Prankster and Award Nominee Dynamic
Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill’s friendship surprises some given their differences, but their bond thrives on humor and mutual respect, with Pitt known as a prankster and Hill now an Oscar-nominated actor for Moneyball.
Eminem and Elton John’s Supportive Friendship
Eminem and Elton John formed a friendship after their Grammy collaboration in 2001, with Elton supporting Eminem during his journey to sobriety. This relationship signifies a significant personal and professional support system.
“I told him, ‘Look, I’m going through a problem and I need your advice.’”
—Eminem, rapper
