Bowen was convinced she would be replaced with a younger actress for the sequel, which takes place 30 years after the original.

The “Modern Family” star played Virginia Venit in the first film, the PR director for the golf tour Happy Gilmore joins, who helps him shape up his image. The two eventually fall for each other and in the sequel have a family, though Bowen noted that her appearance in the new one is brief.

Julie Bowen opens up about her surprising return in Happy Gilmore 2 and the emotional impact of Sydney Sweeney replacement rumors.