Chuck Norris Influenced Adam Sandler and Bob Barker?s Iconic Fight in 1996

In the 90s, Adam Sandler became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men for comedies. While many famous actors appeared in Adam Sandler films, some cameos have become iconic. However, Bob Barker’s cameo in the 1996 film Happy Gilmore is arguably the most iconic cameo of any movie starring Sandler. In the scene, Sandler fought the then 73-year-old Barker. However, few know that action star Chuck Norris influenced the outcome of the iconic fight.

Barker probably has had one of the longest careers in television history. The legendary game show host began his career in 1950. With the iconic The Price is Right, Barker became a household name across America. Hence Sandler and his team wanted to sign Barker on for the cameo at any cost. However, Barker had one condition.

How Chuck Norris influenced a fight scene he wasn’t part of

When Sandler filmed Happy Gilmore, Norris wasn’t part of the cast. However, he was Bob Barker’s neighbor. Barker said he would sign the contract if he won the on-screen brawl against Sandler’s character.

In the movie, Bob Barker appears as himself and becomes the golf partner for an ice hockey player turned golfer, Happy Gilmore. However, a fight ensues between the duo when Gilmore doesn’t play well. While Gilmore bests the 73-year-old Barker in the beginning, the latter ultimately knocks out Gilmore.

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While appearing on Dan Patrick’s podcast in 2021, Adam Sandler explained that originally Gilmore was supposed to beat Barker. However, the game show host said,?“I train with Chuck, we train every night, and he helps me with my punches and my kicks, and I would love to do this, but I have to win this fight.”?The director agreed and rewrote the scene.

No stranger to making iconic cameos

While Chuck Norris indirectly played a part in the fight between Adam Sandler and Bob Barker, he was part of arguably the most iconic fight scene in martial arts cinema history. Norris made a cameo in the 1972 Bruce Lee film, The Way of the Dragon. In the movie, the antagonist hires Norris’s character to fight and defeat Lee’s character.

Bruce Lee, who also directed the film, controversially shot the scene inside the Colosseum in Rome. Filming inside the ancient structure was illegal, but Lee and the filming crew snuck in with camera equipment and shot the iconic fight scene.?

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What’s your take on the fight scene in Happy Gilmore? Write your thoughts in the comments.