The Emmy winner spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about reprising her role as Virginia Venit in the 'Happy Gilmore' sequel, nearly 30 years after the original

In the first film in 1996 featuring Sandler as the accidental golfer, Happy’s “happy place” is a dreamy scene where love interest Virginia (Bowen) is clad in white lingerie and double-fisting pitchers of beer.

Bowen, 55, has looked back on her upbringing with a real estate developer father who taught her a "golden rule" about success.

"Happy Gilmore" is ready for another hole in one! Returning stars Adam Sandler and Julie Bowen speak with Access Hollywood's Emily Orozco about the anticipated sequel to their '90s golf comedy classic and set the record straight on reports that Julie thought she'd be replaced by Sydney Sweeney.

Anticipation for the long-awaited comedy is high, and the original Happy Gilmore has been trending on Netflix ahead of its release. Julie Bowen returning as Virginia proved to fans that the spirit of the first movie would continue, and I can tell you there are countless references and easter eggs to the first one.

Julie Bowen was surprised when Netflix asked her to return for “Happy Gilmore 2.” During a recent interview on the “Inside of You” podcast, Bowen explained she was certain she’d be replaced as the love interest for Adam Sandler’s titular golfer by a younger actress for the highly anticipated “Happy Gilmore” sequel.

The Happy Gilmore 2 actress shares three sons with her ex-husband, Scott Phillips, whom she married in 2004 and divorced in 2018. They welcomed their first son, Oliver, in 2007, followed by their twins, John and Gustav, two years later in 2009.

Considering past misbegotten sequels to Adam Sandler movies like Grown Ups 2 and Murder Mystery 2, I am not quite sure why it took the star three long decades to fire up one for arguably his best comedy and most memorable character,