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 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.