Aahana Swrup
‘Happy Gilmore’ is a slapstick comedy film that revolves around a hot-tempered, unsuccessful hockey player who takes to the sport of golf when he finds himself in a tight pinch. As it turns out, his unconventional rage-fuelled shots are more than enough to earn him a place out of the dumps and among the elites. During this whirlwind adventure, Happy’s path also crosses with Virginia Venit, a golf PR director who does wonders for the hot-headed athlete’s reputation and career. Soon enough, the two end up together, married, and have five kids. Yet, by the time ‘Happy Gilmore 2’ comes around, the golfer has found himself in yet another drastic predicament. Worst of all, this time around, he has no Virginia to turn to for support, on account of her unfortunate death. Naturally, this begs the question of exactly what set of circumstances has resulted in this tragic fate for the beloved character. SPOILERS AHEAD!
Virginia Suffers a Devastating End at the Beginning of Happy Gilmore 2
Virginia Venit has been a fan-favorite character in the beloved 1996 classic ‘Happy Gilmore.’ For the same reason, it’s all the more surprising when the character meets her end in the first few minutes of the sequel. The second installment in the franchise opens with a montage that follows the Gilmores through the last few decades of their lives. Happy and Virginia are blissfully married and parents to four sons and one daughter. The former’s career has been thriving, thanks in part to everything his wife contributes toward his professional life. Nonetheless, it all comes to a standstill after one particularly tragic golfing event. During the match, the PR director ends up on the receiving end of one of Happy’s signature drives.
As a result, the powerful impact to her head kills Virginia on the spot, leaving her husband scarred and traumatized. The death is as tragic and absurd as the death of the golfer’s father. The latter’s death, a turning point in the first film, arrived as a result of a rogue hockey shot. In the aftermath of Virginia’s death, Happy is left inconsolable and unhelpable. Not only is he grieving the death of the love of his life, but he also has to deal with the fact that he’s responsible for her untimely passing. Add in his career’s downfall, thanks to evergreen trauma attached to golfing, heightened responsibilities as a single father, and a newfound proclivity for alcohol, and Happy’s life is well and truly ruined. In that way, Virginia’s death serves as an inciting incident that allows for the transition between the first movie and the second, breaking Happy down so that he can be built back up again.
Virginia’s Death Adds Adversity to Happy’s Story
Given Virginia’s well-loved presence in the first film, her unexpected death inevitably ignited some conversation among the fans. Predictably, not everyone was happy with the decision. Even so, the decision plays a crucial role in the structure and setup of the sequel. Julie Bowen, the actress behind the character, who remains a part of this project through flashbacks and dream sequences, spoke on the topic in a conversation with the New York Post. “Happy’s the best, but he did need to have something—you need to have some adversity,” she shared. “Yes, Happy is in pain. And he had to get there somehow.”
Bowen added, “And I (as Virginia) contribute to the pain through the heart. I think it is very relatable and wonderful. I loved it.” Virginia’s death, though unpredictable and unfortunate, becomes the emotional center of the film, ensuring that her character isn’t erased from the narrative. Happy’s grief and trauma over losing his wife through such a cruel set of circumstances directly inform his actions and motivations throughout the film. Furthermore, it drags his character back into an underdog narrative, detached from his previously accumulated fame and celebrated golfing skills. Consequently, the sequel gets to stay true to the emotional axis of the first film while still offering canon continuity within the franchise.
Read More: Is Happy’s Grandma in Happy Gilmore 2? How Did She Die?
