Let’s talk about Jackie Sandler, because if there’s one thing Adam Sandler loves more than making us laugh, it’s putting his family in his movies. And Happy Gilmore 2 is no exception. The long-awaited sequel, which just dropped on Netflix in July 2025, is packed with nostalgia, golf shenanigans, and, of course, the Sandler family charm. Jackie, Adam’s real-life wife, plays Monica, the dance teacher who sets the entire plot in motion. And let me tell you, she might not have a ton of screen time, but she’s absolutely pivotal to the story.
So, who is Monica in Happy Gilmore 2? She’s Vienna Gilmore’s (played by Sunny Sandler) ballet instructor, and she’s the one who drops the bombshell that Vienna needs a “better teacher” if she wants to pursue her dreams seriously. That little comment? Yeah, that’s what sends Happy (Adam Sandler) back onto the golf course after years of retirement. He’s determined to win enough money to send Vienna to a prestigious ballet school in Europe, and it all starts with Jackie’s character delivering that critical nudge. It’s a small but mighty role, and Jackie nails it with her signature warmth and humor.
Now, if you’re wondering why Jackie Sandler keeps popping up in Adam’s films, it’s not just nepotism, it’s tradition. The two have been collaborating since they met on the set of Big Daddy in 1999, and Jackie’s become a staple in Happy Madison productions. Whether she’s playing a waitress, a flight attendant, or, in this case, a no-nonsense dance teacher, she always brings a grounded, relatable energy to her roles. In Happy Gilmore 2, Monica isn’t just a throwaway character; she’s the catalyst for Happy’s redemption arc. Without her, there’d be no reason for him to dust off his golf clubs and face his past.
The Sandler Family Affair in Happy Gilmore 2
Jackie isn’t the only Sandler who shines in this sequel. Their daughters, Sunny and Sadie, also play key roles. Sunny stars as Vienna, Happy’s ballet-loving daughter, and Sadie plays Charlotte, a member of Happy’s Alcoholics Anonymous group who ends up helping him take down the film’s villain, Hal L. (Ben Stiller). It’s a full-family affair, and it’s clear Adam loves working with his loved ones on screen. In interviews, he’s even compared the joy of seeing his daughters act to the pride a parent feels watching their kid hit a home run in baseball.
But back to Jackie. What makes her performance as Monica so fun is how effortless it feels. She’s not trying to steal scenes or overact; she’s just being Jackie, and that’s exactly what the role calls for. There’s a scene where she sternly tells Happy that Vienna needs more advanced training, and you can see the mix of professionalism and maternal instinct in her delivery. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment, but it’s packed with subtlety.
travis in the new happy gilmore 2 trailer arriving july 25 on netflix! 🏌️♀️⛳️ pic.twitter.com/1A4kAazUK1
— Tayvis Nation 🏈🫶🏻 (@tayvisnation) June 1, 2025
And let’s not forget the meta-humor here. Jackie Sandler’s real-life daughter, Sunny, plays her student, which adds an extra layer of sweetness to their on-screen dynamic. When Monica encourages Vienna to chase her dreams, it’s hard not to imagine Jackie giving that same pep talk to Sunny in real life. The Sandlers have turned their family into a creative unit, and Happy Gilmore 2 is proof that it works.
Why Jackie’s Role Matters More Than You Think
At first glance, Monica might seem like a minor character, but her impact on the story is huge. She’s the one who pushes Happy out of his slump. After years of guilt over his wife’s death (yes, Virginia, played by Julie Bowen, meets a tragic end early in the film), Happy’s lost his spark. But when Monica tells him Vienna needs better opportunities, it reignites his sense of purpose. Suddenly, he’s not just a washed-up golfer; he’s a dad on a mission.
Jackie Sandler’s performance is understated but essential. She doesn’t get a big, flashy scene, but she doesn’t need one. Her role is all about quiet influence, and that’s kind of perfect for a movie that’s ultimately about second chances. Plus, let’s be real, it’s always a treat to see Jackie and Adam share even a brief moment on screen. Their chemistry is undeniable, whether they’re playing love interests or, in this case, two adults just trying to do right by a kid.
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So, was Jackie Sandler in Happy Gilmore 2? Absolutely. And she crushed it. The film wouldn’t be the same without her, and honestly, neither would Adam’s filmography. Here’s hoping we see even more of the Sandler clan in future projects, because if Happy Gilmore 2 proves anything, it’s that family makes everything better.
