You’ve seen the credits. Every time a Happy Madison production rolls onto Netflix, the name "Sandler" pops up like a recurring dream. Usually, it was a "Girl on Goat" or "Lemonade Stand Kid" role.
Things changed.
If you watched You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah or the 2025 release of Happy Gilmore 2, you noticed it. Sadie and Sunny Sandler aren't just background noise anymore. They are actual, formidable actors holding their own against industry titans.
Honestly, the "nepo baby" conversation is exhausting, but with the Sandler girls, there’s a nuance people usually miss. Adam isn't just handing them a career; he’s basically running a twenty-year apprenticeship in real-time.
The Transition from Cameos to Leads
For over a decade, Sadie and Sunny were the ultimate "Where’s Waldo?" of the Sandler Cinematic Universe. Sadie, born in May 2006, made her debut in You Don't Mess with the Zohan (2008). Sunny followed in November 2008.
They grew up on film sets.
It wasn't just about fun. Adam has been open about the fact that his kids actually wanted in. He famously told Drew Barrymore that they’d come to him saying they wanted to be in movies, and when he’d point out they already were, they’d hit back with: "Not yours."
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They wanted their own spotlight.
In 2023, they got it. You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah wasn't just another Happy Madison flick. It was a breakout. Sunny took the lead as Stacy Friedman, and critics—who aren't always kind to the Sandler brand—actually liked her. She was relatable. She was awkward. She was... good?
Breaking Down the Happy Gilmore 2 Dynamic
When Happy Gilmore 2 hit Netflix in July 2025, the stakes were high. Nostalgia is a dangerous drug. If you mess up a classic, fans never forgive you.
Sunny Sandler stepped in as Vienna Gilmore, Happy’s daughter. It wasn't just a "blink and you miss it" appearance. She played a ballet enthusiast whose dreams drive the emotional core of Happy's comeback.
Meanwhile, Sadie, now 19 and a student at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, took a different route. She played an undercover FBI agent embedded in Happy's support group. It was a pivot. It showed range.
- Sadie Sandler: Often plays the dry, witty, or slightly more grounded characters.
- Sunny Sandler: Leans into the "it girl" energy with a mix of physical comedy and earnestness.
The Reality of Growing Up "Sandler"
Living as Adam Sandler's kid sounds like a permanent vacation, but the parenting style in that house is surprisingly old-school. Adam doesn't do the "cool Hollywood dad" thing. He’s a worrier.
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He’s admitted in interviews that he has an "open door policy" at home. He wants to know everything. He’s the guy who stays in on a Friday night because he’s "angry" if he has to stay out past 10:30 PM.
That groundedness shows.
You don't see Sadie and Sunny falling out of clubs or making headlines for the wrong reasons. They’re usually seen at Lakers games or on red carpets with their mom, Jackie, looking remarkably... normal.
Professionalism on Set
Director Kyle Newacheck, who worked with them on the Happy Gilmore sequel, mentioned that the girls are "very good at acting" and genuinely committed.
Julie Bowen, their co-star, echoed this in late 2025. She described them as "wonderful young women" who take the craft seriously. Sadie being at Tisch is a huge indicator that she’s looking for a life in the arts that exists outside of her father’s shadow.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Family Business"
The common critique is that Adam is just "giving them jobs."
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Sure. He is.
But look at the business model. Happy Madison is a family. He hires his best friends—Kevin James, David Spade, Chris Rock—every single time. Why wouldn't he hire his kids?
There is a difference between a handout and a training ground. By the time Sunny starred in Bat Mitzvah, she had over 20 film credits. She knew how a set worked. She knew how to hit a mark. She knew the rhythm of a joke.
In 2026, we’re seeing the results of that long-term investment.
Future Projects to Watch
As we move through 2026, keep an eye on Don’t Say Good Luck. Sunny is slated for a role as Sophie Birenbaum. It’s a post-production project that looks to further distance her from the "just a cameo" label.
Sadie, on the other hand, seems to be balancing her NYU studies with selective roles. She’s likely the one who will eventually pivot into directing or more dramatic indie work.
Actionable Insights for Following the Sandler Kids' Careers:
- Check the Credits: Don't just look for their faces; look for their names in voice acting. They’ve been part of the Hotel Transylvania franchise and Leo (2023) for years.
- Watch the Evolution: Compare Sunny's performance in Grown Ups (2010) to Happy Gilmore 2 (2025). The growth in comedic timing is massive.
- Look Beyond Happy Madison: Watch for Sadie's involvement in Tisch-related projects or independent shorts, as she is clearly signaling a desire for a "serious" acting pedigree.
- Expect a Shift: As both girls enter their 20s, expect fewer "family" comedies and more independent choices as they navigate their own identities in Hollywood.