Julie Bowen is known for her performances in television series like Modern Family and feature films such as Happy Gilmore. Recently, she spoke candidly about a serious medical diagnosis she received when she was only 29 years old: sick sinus syndrome (a disorder which slows heartbeats too much).
On vacation with her family, her sister, who was in medical school, alerted Bowen that her heart rate was abnormally slow. In fact, her heart rate had dipped close to the thirties when the resting rate is between 60 and 100 beats per minute.
Bowen was evaluated medically, and soon after she filmed the pilot for the television show Ed, she received a pacemaker. Her pacemaker helps keep her heart rate in a steady place and it has now become just a part of her life.
At first, she was worried the diagnosis meant her career in acting was over, but she was able to continue to be successful in her career now and after acting. She has since had three battery replacements, and notes that she hardly notices it.
Her story has received media attention for raising awareness about secret health issues and that with proper care, they can be managed successfully.
Julie Bowen thought she was ‘gonna die’ after learning she needed a pacemaker at 29 https://t.co/1xsKAa6Fmv pic.twitter.com/ou71ipI3pe
— New York Post (@nypost) July 1, 2025
Julie Bowen Returns in Happy Gilmore 2, Nearly 30 Years Later
Julie Bowen is also back on the big screen in Happy Gilmore 2, the sequel to the 1996 film where she played Virginia Venit. It will be available on Netflix July 25, 2025. At first, Bowen didn’t think she would get cast again and said to herself that they would definitely cast a younger actress for the role.
Even her son said that someone like Sydney Sweeney would be ideal. But then Bowen was reminded by her co-star Adam Sandler that “you’re part of the movie,” and that she was in fact the heart of the film.
The reunion brings an unlikely collection of stars including Bad Bunny, Travis Kelce, and Eminem. Bowen said that returning to the role after a long absence was emotional and impactful and she felt fortunate to be part of a meaningful project that fans have so much nostalgia for.
Now that her health journey and professional return to acting are also public stories, Bowen continues to have an impact on audiences not just as entertainer but also as person who has confronted adversity and survived.
