In a Hollywood twist that’s as emotional as it is unexpected, Eminem’s much-talked-about cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 wasn’t just another day on set for the rap icon. Known for his lyrical genius and intense performances, Eminem took his role as Donald Jr., the son of the heckler originally played by the late, great Joe Flaherty in the 1996 cult classic Happy Gilmore, to a deeply personal level. Sources close to the set reveal that Eminem didn’t just study Flaherty’s iconic “jackass” taunts—he made a secret pilgrimage to the comedian’s grave, a gesture that transformed his performance and left the Happy Gilmore 2 cast and crew in awe. Here’s the exclusive behind-the-scenes scoop on how Eminem honored a comedy legend and brought raw, heartfelt energy to the Netflix sequel that’s got everyone buzzing.

A Nod to a Comedy Legend

When Happy Gilmore 2 hit Netflix on July 25, 2025, fans were thrilled to see Eminem pop up as Donald Jr., the son of Joe Flaherty’s unforgettable heckler from the original film. Flaherty, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 82, left an indelible mark on the comedy world with his roles in SCTV and films like Happy Gilmore, where his character’s relentless taunts—shouting “jackass” during Happy’s backswing—became one of the movie’s most quotable moments. Eminem’s cameo was designed as a tribute to Flaherty, with his character echoing that iconic line while adding a modern, chaotic twist. But what fans didn’t know was the depth of preparation—and emotion—that Eminem poured into the role.

According to insiders, Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers, approached the cameo with the same intensity he brings to his music. “He didn’t want to just show up and say the line,” a source from the Happy Gilmore 2 set exclusively told us. “Marshall was adamant about honoring Joe Flaherty properly. He watched the original Happy Gilmore dozens of times, studying Joe’s delivery, his timing, even the way he moved. He wanted to capture that same energy but make it his own.” Eminem’s dedication didn’t stop at rewatching the film. In a move that stunned even Adam Sandler, Eminem quietly visited Flaherty’s grave before filming his scenes, a private act that added profound depth to his performance.

The Secret Grave Visit

Sources close to Eminem reveal that the rapper made the trip to Flaherty’s resting place in early 2025, shortly after signing on for the cameo. The visit was kept under wraps, with only a few trusted members of his inner circle aware of the plan. “Marshall didn’t tell anyone on set about it at first,” our insider shared. “He wanted it to be personal, not some publicity stunt. He felt a real connection to Joe’s legacy, not just as a comedian but as someone who brought joy to so many people. He said it was about paying respect to a guy who helped make Happy Gilmore what it is.”

Flaherty, a Canadian comedy icon, was laid to rest in Toronto, where he spent much of his career. Eminem, who was filming in Los Angeles, reportedly took a low-key trip to the cemetery, arriving alone with a small bouquet of flowers. “He spent about an hour there,” the source continued. “He was reflecting on Joe’s work, his impact, and how to channel that spirit into the cameo. Marshall’s not the type to do things halfway—he wanted to feel the weight of the role, to make sure it wasn’t just a throwaway gag.”

The visit had a profound effect on Eminem. “When he came back, you could tell something had shifted,” said a crew member who worked closely with the rapper. “He was quieter, more focused. He started talking about how he wanted the scene to be a real tribute, not just a laugh. He kept saying, ‘Joe’s watching, man. We gotta do this right.’”

Bringing Slim Shady to the Fairway

Eminem’s cameo in Happy Gilmore 2 is a wild, slapstick moment that’s already gone viral. In the film, he appears roughly 80 minutes in, sporting a bucket hat, a fake beard, and a wig that makes him nearly unrecognizable. His character, Donald Jr., picks up where Flaherty’s heckler left off, shouting “jackass” at Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) during a crucial golf tournament. The scene escalates when Eminem’s character moons Happy, prompting Happy’s four sons—played by Maxwell Jacob Friedman, Conor Sherry, Ethan Cutkosky, and Philip Fine Schneider—to toss him into a lake filled with alligators. In true Happy Gilmore fashion, the sequence ends with Eminem’s character meeting a comically gruesome fate, shouting expletives and Slim Shady-esque one-liners like, “Come on, fake a— dinosaur, you ain’t got a d—k!” as he’s devoured by the gators.

But behind the absurdity lies a performance steeped in respect. Eminem’s preparation went beyond studying Flaherty’s scenes. He reportedly spent hours on set improvising lines, riffing with Sandler and the cast to capture the chaotic energy of the original film. “Marshall was a force,” Sandler said on The Dan Patrick Show in December 2024. “He came in and was funny as hell. We just hung out all day with Eminem, and he just shot and shot. He was insane.” Sandler, who’s known Eminem since their Saturday Night Live days in the late ’90s, revealed that he hesitated to ask the rapper for the cameo, not wanting to “bother” him. But Eminem’s enthusiasm—and his grave visit—proved he was all in.

A Tribute That Resonates

Eminem’s grave visit wasn’t just about getting into character; it was a way to process the loss of a comedy legend whose work resonated with him. “Marshall grew up watching SCTV and Happy Gilmore,” a friend of the rapper told us. “Joe Flaherty was one of those guys who could steal a scene with one word. Marshall admired that. He saw the cameo as a chance to keep Joe’s spirit alive in the sequel.” In the film, Eminem’s character even references Flaherty’s Donald, lamenting that his father is “in the great Sizzler in the sky,” a nod to the heckler’s love for the steakhouse chain in the original.

The emotional weight of Eminem’s tribute wasn’t lost on the cast. “When we found out he’d visited Joe’s grave, it hit us hard,” said Conor Sherry, who plays one of Happy’s sons. “It wasn’t just a cameo to him. It was like he was carrying Joe’s legacy on his shoulders. That scene where he gets thrown into the lake? It’s hilarious, but there’s this underlying respect in how he plays it. You can feel it.”

Fans on X have been buzzing about Eminem’s performance, with posts like @FrostyzWRLD’s “Eminem in Happy Gilmore 2 also yeah the internet’s going to have a field day with this one” and @SonaShady8’s “#Eminem as always was hilarious, Go and watch” capturing the excitement. But few know the full story behind his preparation. “He didn’t talk about the grave visit publicly because that’s not his style,” our source noted. “He did it for himself, for Joe, and for the fans who loved the original.”

A Star-Studded Sequel with Heart

Happy Gilmore 2 is packed with cameos—from Travis Kelce as a scheming waiter to Bad Bunny as Happy’s caddie to pro golfers like Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus—but Eminem’s stands out for its emotional depth. The sequel, which picks up nearly 30 years after the original, follows Happy as he returns to golf to fund his daughter Vienna’s ballet school dreams after the tragic death of his wife, Virginia. The film balances slapstick humor with tributes to fallen stars like Flaherty, Carl Weathers, and Bob Barker, whose graves appear in a poignant scene where Happy and Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) face off.

Eminem’s cameo, though brief, has become a fan favorite, with outtakes released on August 1, 2025, showing his comedic chops and unhinged energy. “That was awesome! Detroit what,” one fan commented on Instagram, while another begged, “Please release the whole 1 hour video of you in Happy Gilmore!” The rapper’s ability to blend his Slim Shady persona with Flaherty’s legacy has made the scene a perfect bridge between the original and the sequel.

Eminem’s Hollywood Return

This isn’t Eminem’s first foray into acting—he won an Oscar for “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile and appeared in Funny People alongside Sandler in 2009—but his Happy Gilmore 2 cameo marks a rare and triumphant return to the screen. “Marshall’s a natural,” Sandler told Billboard. “He brought his A-game, and it shows.” For Eminem, the role was more than a chance to flex his comedic skills; it was a way to honor a comedy hero and remind fans of the magic of Happy Gilmore.

As Happy Gilmore 2 continues to dominate Netflix, Eminem’s secret grave visit and meticulous preparation have added a layer of heart to a film that’s as much about legacy as it is about laughs. From his quiet moment at Flaherty’s grave to his wild, alligator-wrestling cameo, Eminem proved he’s not just a rap legend—he’s a storyteller who knows how to pay tribute to those who came before him. So, the next time you watch Donald Jr. get tossed into that lake, remember: there’s a lot more to Eminem’s “jackass” than meets the eye.