Julie Bowen’s first reaction to Happy Gilmore 2 script

Julie Bowen is opening up about her unexpected storyline in Happy Gilmore 2, the long-awaited sequel to the 1996 comedy classic. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the Emmy-winning actress revealed her reaction upon learning her character, Virginia Venit, dies within the first few minutes of the film.

Bowen, 55, reprises her role as Virginia, who in the sequel is now married to Happy Gilmore, played once again by Adam Sandler. The couple has five children together — but the family moment is short-lived. Just minutes into the film, Virginia is struck and killed by a golf ball hit by her husband during a tournament.

"When I found out that I was killed on page 12, I started laughing," Bowen told PEOPLE. She explained she was on vacation with limited phone access when she read the script. "I only had my phone, and I was like, 'Am I seeing this right?' Trying to blow it up," she recalled.

Despite the abrupt ending for her character, Bowen embraced the twist with humor. "I go, 'I don’t care. It’s great. Happy can’t be happy,'" she joked, noting how Sandler tried to reach her during her trip to discuss the plot.

Bowen said she was honored to be included in the sequel, even with a limited on-screen role. "It’s just fun to be part of the whole thing," she shared. "Of course, why would I not want to be part of Happy Gilmore, whether I’m a big part, a little part."

She also praised Sandler’s commitment to bringing back original cast members, calling it important to him. Though Virginia dies early in the story, Bowen revealed that her character remains central through Happy’s emotional journey. “His love for me drives the story,” she said, explaining how memories of Virginia motivate him to perform and parent well.