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One of Adam Sandler’s earliest and biggest hits, the 1996 golf movie Happy Gilmore, was released in theaters 25 years ago this week. To celebrate the anniversary, Sandler performed his character’s iconic and unconventional swing in real life, while the actor behind the movie’s bad guy released a silly walk-down-memory-lane video as well.
In a social media post, Sandler performed Happy’s iconic swing for the first time in 25 years–and he nails it. “Shooter McGavin, this is for you!” Sandler says, referencing the villain character from the movie. After crushing the drive, Sandler approaches the camera and taunts Shooter again, “You’re dead, Shooter,” he said.
Christopher McDonald, who played Shooter in Happy Gilmore, responded to Sandler’s video with one of his own. Released on Instagram, McDonald gets back in character and drills a putt in his living room, going on to perform some of his lines and mannerisms from the movie in his own celebration of the Happy Gilmore anniversary.
Comedy legend Ben Stiller, who played an evil nurse who treated Happy’s grandmother poorly, responded to Sandler’s video as well. “That’s a beautiful swing Mr. Gilmore,” he wrote. “Congrats on your anniversary, and being such a loving grandson. So happy to be a small part of taking good care of her during her ‘golden years.'”
The sandwich company Subway, which was involved in the production of Happy Gilmore and had a great sequence in the film, responded as well. “Talk about a hole in one,” the account said, repurposing the line from Happy Gilmore.
After Happy Gilmore, Sandler’s hot streak continued with The Wedding Singer (1998), The Waterboy (1998), Big Daddy (1999), Little Nicky (2000), Punch-Drunk Love (2002), Mr. Deeds (2002), Anger Management (2003), 50 First Dates (2004), The Longest Yard (2005), and Click (2006), just to name a few. Sandler now has a rich deal with Netflix that covers numerous films, the latest of which was 2020’s spooky movie Hubie Halloween.
Sandler also starred in 2019’s Uncut Gems and delivered a memorable and celebrated performance in the lead role.
