Additional Coverage:
- ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ brings back Adam Sandler and his longtime collaborator for another round (latimes.com)
From College Roommates to Comedy Dream Team: The Story Behind ‘Happy Gilmore 2’
It’s not every day your college roommate becomes your longtime comedy collaborator. But for Tim Herlihy, sharing a dorm room with Adam Sandler at NYU in 1984 was the start of a beautiful, and hilarious, friendship. Now, decades later, the pair have teamed up once again for “Happy Gilmore 2,” a sequel to their beloved 1996 hit.
Herlihy, who initially pursued a career in law, found himself drawn into the world of comedy thanks to Sandler’s budding stand-up career. He started writing jokes for Sandler during train rides home, a humble beginning for a partnership that would spawn iconic comedies like “Billy Madison,” “The Wedding Singer,” and of course, “Happy Gilmore.”
The sequel, which premiered on Netflix, sees a more mature Happy Gilmore navigating family life and pondering his legacy. The star-studded cast includes returning favorites and new faces like Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and Benny Safdie.
Herlihy admits that a “Happy Gilmore” sequel was never really on the cards. It came about in “a weak moment,” he jokes, comparing the decision to impulsively getting a dog.
The secret to their long-lasting collaboration? “I’m having the most fun with Adam,” Herlihy says.
“I’m doing the best work with Adam. I’m not making compromises with Adam.”
He recalled their first meeting, remembering Sandler’s confidence (and his mother cleaning the bathroom), while Sandler, in a separate interview, remembered Herlihy’s equally bold aspirations of becoming a billionaire. A shared love of comedy icons like Rodney Dangerfield and “Caddyshack” cemented their bond.
While Herlihy continued his law studies, he never stopped writing for Sandler, even contributing to iconic “SNL” characters like Canteen Boy. He continued to juggle law and screenwriting, faxing pages for “Billy Madison” late at night from his law firm.
Despite the success of “Happy Gilmore,” writing the sequel was no easier than the first. The duo spent countless hours brainstorming, using index cards on a bulletin board to map out the plot. The process even required Herlihy to be on set daily, improvising and refining jokes, much like the original film.
Julie Bowen, reprising her role as Virginia, praised the pair’s collaborative spirit and willingness to adapt. “They don’t think that they’ve written Shakespeare and you can’t change a comma,” she said.
“It’s, let’s do the funniest thing that we can.” Director Kyle Newacheck echoed this sentiment, calling it an honor to work with the two comedic forces who shaped his own sense of humor.
Sandler attributes their enduring partnership to Herlihy’s character and comedic genius. “He’s just a good, good man, funnier than everybody,” Sandler shared. Herlihy, however, credits their contrasting work styles – Sandler’s tireless work ethic and his own preference for time off – as a key ingredient in their success.
Reflecting on his career, Herlihy maintains a humble perspective. He shrugs off the idea of being defined by his work with Sandler, pointing out that most people don’t remember who wrote even the most iconic films.
He humorously muses about the unpredictability of legacies, offering a simple philosophy: “You have no control over your obituary. Just enjoy your family and have some laughs.”
And with “Happy Gilmore 2,” audiences can certainly do just that.