Adam Sandler Pays Tribute toHappy GilmoreCostar Joe Flaherty After His Death: 'Nicest Guy You Could Know'

Mar. 15, 2025

Adam Sandler and Joe Flaherty.Photo:Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock; NBCU Photo Bank

Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock; NBCU Photo Bank

Adam Sandleris mourning costarJoe Flaherty after his death at 82.

“Oh man. Worshipped Joe growing up. Always had me and my brother laughing,” Sandler, 57, wrote onInstagramTuesday alongside several photos of Flaherty, who died Monday.

Flaherty, who worked with Sandler on the 1996 golf comedyHappy Gilmore, died after an unknown illness, as his daughter Gundrun toldVarietyin a statement shared through the Comedic Artists Alliance.

“Count Floyd, Guy Caballero. Any move he made. He crushed as border guard inStripes,“Sandler wrote in his caption, referencing several of Flaherty’s roles over his nearly four-decades-long acting career.

“Couldn’t be more fun to have him heckle me on the golf course. The nicest guy you could know,” he added, mentioning Flaherty’s appearance inHappy Gilmore. “Genius of a comedian. And a true sweetheart. Perfect combo. Much love to his kids and thanks to Joe for all the greatness he gave us all.”

The character — Flaherty is credited onIMDbonly as Jeering Fan for the film — evenhits Happy with a carduring the movie’s final golf tournament, though the character overcomes his injury and ultimately wins over McGavin.

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Adam Sandler and Joe Flaherty (background, wearing white hat) in 1996’s Happy Gilmore.AJ Pics / Alamy

AJ Pics / Alamy

“Dad was an extraordinary man, known for his boundless heart and an unwavering passion for movies from the ’40s and ’50s,” Flaherty’s daughter Gundrun said of her father in a statement. “His insights into the golden age of cinema didn’t just shape his professional life; they were also a source of endless fascination for me.”

Sandler recently wrote atribute to anotherHappy GilmoreactoronInstagramafterCarl Weathers, who played Chubbs in the popular ’90s comedy, died at 76 in February.

“What a guy!! Everyone loved him,” he wrote at that time. “My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him.”

source: people.com