Cameron Boyce’s Mom Thanks Adam Sandler for Touching Cameo in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’

Years after actor Cameron Boyce tragically died after having an epileptic seizure, his costars are still paying tribute to the talented star. While the photo of Boyce’s character, Carlos, hanging on the wall in 2024’s “Descendants 4: The Rise of Red” film wasn’t a surprise, given his lead role in the franchise, the small tribute to him in “Happy Gilmore 2” was.

But perhaps it wasn’t so unexpected, after all. Boyce starred as Keithie Feder, the son of Adam Sandler’s character in the film “Grown Ups” and its sequel. Even so, the sweet cameo meant a lot to Boyce’s mother, Libby Boyce.

The Bond Between Adam Sandler and Cameron Boyce Lives On

Libby posted a scene from “Happy Gilmore 2” on her Instagram, of Sandler’s Happy Gilmore arriving at a golf course, and the employees are watching a TV screen. On the small screen is Boyce in his Disney series “Jessie,” in which he played Luke Ross from 2011 to 2015. “Thank you Adam Sandler for honoring Cam’s legacy in Happy Gilmore 2,” Libby captioned the sweet remembrance.

She also posted a screenshot of a “Hollywood Reporter” article, talking about the cameo.

“Adam and Cameron talked quite a bit in the days leading up to his death,” she wrote in the caption. “Cameron was supposed to be in Hubies Halloween and they were strategizing. They had a bond I think related to being authentic, funny and just keeping it real. Adam always finds a way to keep Cams memory alive which warms our heart.”

Boyce didn’t get a chance to star in 2020’s “Hubie Halloween,” but Sandler posted a message for his young costar in the credits. “In loving memory of CAMERON BOYCE. Gone way too soon and one of the kindest, coolest, funniest, and most talented kids we knew. You live on forever in our hearts and are truly missed every day,” the statement read.

Sandler’s Emotional Messages & Tributes Honor Cameron Boyce

Cameron was only 10 years old when he met Sandler, and the two became very close over the years. After Cameron died, Sandler mourned his young co-star.

“Too young. Too sweet. Too funny. Just the nicest, most talented, and most decent kid around,” the actor wrote on social media. “Loved that kid. Cared so much about his family. Cared so much about the world. Thank you, Cameron, for all you gave to us. So much more was on the way. All our hearts are broken. Thinking of your amazing family and sending our deepest condolences.”

When Cameron’s birthday rolled around the following year, Sandler posted a message for his birthday.

“Happy birthday to Cameron,” Sandler wrote. “Would have been 21 years old. Such a great kid. We all miss him a lot. Especially his incredible family.” He also included a link to the Epilepsy Foundation.

Sandler has also done his best to keep the Disney actor’s memory alive. He explained to “The Hollywood Reporter” why putting the cameo in “Happy Gilmore 2” was so important.

“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,” Sandler said. “He felt like a family member to us when we were shooting “Grown Ups.” Of course, we were going to shoot with Cameron on “Hubie Halloween,” and we were getting ready to have a great time together, and we lost him. We think of him all the time. This was just a moment where we were like, “What should we throw on the TV?” 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.”