Julie Bowen Thought She’d Be Recast in ‘Happy Gilmore 2’—Her Heart Condition Confession Explains Why

Emmy-winning actor Julie Bowen is back in the spotlight after a pair of candid revelations that have fans cheering her return to the screen and admiring her resilience off it. Bowen confirmed she will reprise her role as Virginia Venit in Adam Sandler’s long-awaited sequel Happy Gilmore 2, heading to Netflix in 2026. Speaking on the Inside of You podcast, the 55-year-old star admitted she assumed the filmmakers would “swap me out for someone younger,” only learning recently that Sandler personally wanted her back. The casting news ignited social media, where Modern Family fans celebrated seeing Bowen reunite with Sandler nearly three decades after the original golf-comedy classic. Search volume for “Julie Bowen Happy Gilmore 2” spiked as viewers looked for production updates, release dates, and first-look images. During the same podcast appearance, Bowen revealed that she secretly received a pacemaker at age 29 after doctors discovered her heartbeat routinely dipped “into the 30s” while she slept. The actor described years of keeping the device under wraps to avoid jeopardizing roles that required stunts or intense physical comedy, including her 11-season run as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family. Her decision to share the diagnosis now, she says, aims to “normalize proactive cardiac care” and encourage young women to speak up about unexplained fatigue or dizziness. Industry analysts predict Bowen’s dual headlines—health transparency and franchise comeback—will generate strong pre-release buzz for Happy Gilmore 2. Netflix is banking on millennial nostalgia to drive repeat viewing, while Sandler’s multi-picture deal gives the streamer flexibility to expand the Gilmore universe into limited series or behind-the-scenes specials. For Bowen, the sequel marks her first major studio film since 2019. She has spent recent years producing and voicing animated projects, but returning to live-action comedy alongside Sandler “felt like coming home.” Production begins this fall in Georgia, with director Dennis Dugan expected to reprise his role behind the camera. Key takeaways for fans: • Julie Bowen officially confirmed for Happy Gilmore 2; filming starts Q4 2025. • The actor disclosed she has lived with a pacemaker since her late 20s, urging awareness of women’s heart health. • Netflix eyeing a 2026 global release; teaser trailer anticipated during next year’s Masters Tournament to maximize golf-audience synergy. Whether discussing her hidden medical journey or stepping back onto the green with Sandler, Julie Bowen’s candidness—and comic timing—prove she’s aging on her own terms.