The Emmy winner spoke with PEOPLE exclusively about reprising her role as Virginia Venit in the 'Happy Gilmore' sequel, nearly 30 years after the original

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.

Anticipation for the long-awaited comedy is high, and the original Happy Gilmore has been trending on Netflix ahead of its release. Julie Bowen returning as Virginia proved to fans that the spirit of the first movie would continue, and I can tell you there are countless references and easter eggs to the first one.