Who is Fernando Marrero? The man behind Screech in Happy Gilmore 2
Fernando Marrero is a dynamic talent redefining Hollywood with his unique blend of athleticism and charm. Best known for his breakout role as Screech in Happy Gilmore 2, Fernando is fueled by a decorated history as a military veteran, retired professional wrestler, and MMA champion.
I got to where I’m at today by hardwork, sacrifice, failure, commitment etc… I was this young kid that came from Philly to LA with nothing but sheer grit & determination in 2002.
Source: Instagram
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Fernando Marrero from Happy Gilmore 2 was an MMA champion before transitioning to the film industry.
- He served in the United States military during the early 2000s.
- Fernando Marrero gained mainstream attention following his role as Screech in Happy Gilmore 2.
- Marrero is a two-time World Champion for Gladiator Challenge.
Fernando Marrero's profile summary
| Full name | Fernando Marrero |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 1982 |
| Place of birth | Philadelphia, United States |
| Current residence | Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Age | 43 years old (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Height | 6 feet 2 inches |
| Relationship status | Single |
| Education | Dimner Beeber Middle School |
| Profession | Actor, stunt performer, retired MMA fighter, and military veteran |
| Social media | InstagramFacebook |
Exploring Fernando Marrero's age and early life
Fernando Marrero, 43 years old as of 2025, was born in 1982 in Philadelphia, United States. He was raised by his grandparents, Santiago Marrero and Blanche. Marrero went to Dimner Beeber Middle School.
On a May 4, 2018, Instagram post, Fernando credited his grandfather for raising him. He captioned,
Circa 1996 my 8th grade graduation... commencement from Dimner Beeber Middle School to high school... ceremony held @UNI.... I was 14 years old here with my grandfather, the man who raised me, Santiago Marrero.
Source: Original
This is what Fernando Marrero does for a living
Fernando has had multiple careers revolving around entertainment and sports. Below is a detailed breakdown of Fernando Marrero's career ventures:
Acting and production
Fernando debuted his career in the film industry in 2008 after he played an abandoned house neighbour in Lincoln Heights. His TV breakthrough came when he played Screech in 2025's Happy Gilmore 2 alongside Adam Sandler.
Fernando acknowledged that acting alongside Adam Sandler was a dream come true. He revealed,
Being part of Happy Gilmore 2 is truly an honor. To work alongside Adam Sandler and such an iconic cast in the sequel to one of the most beloved comedies of all time is a dream come true. I’m excited to bring something fresh and unexpected to this new chapter.
Source: Instagram
Marrerro has been an executive producer in several independent projects and is also a stunt performer, having performed in over 15 films. Some of the movies and TV shows Fernando Marrero featured in, include:
| Year | Movie/TV show | Role |
| 2025 | Happy Gilmore 2 | Screech |
| 2023 | A New Life | Tito The Bouncer |
| 2023 | Mickey Hardaway | Michael, The Office Executive |
| 2021 | Sauce Boys | Henchman |
| 2020 | Epiphany in South Los Angeles | Club patron |
| 2019 | The After Hours | Raheem |
| 2018 | Superstore | Baker |
| 2017 | Black Lightning: Tobias's Revenge | Machete Man |
| 2016 | Fighting Shadows | Bar Thug |
MMA career
Before transitioning fully into acting, Marrero enjoyed an impressive professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career. Fernando boasts two World Championships for Gladiator Challenge and a professional record of 10 wins and 2 losses.
He trained at the elite Knokx Pro Wrestling Academy under top fighters like Rikishi and Gangrel. He also holds a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt.
Military Veteran
Besides his career as an MMA fighter, Fernando had a stint in the military. In a November 12, 2018, Instagram post, Marrero wished himself a happy Veteran's Day. He captioned,
Old school air force pic circa 2000... salute to all vets... 323rd TRS "Strike first! Strike fast! Strike hard! Happy Veteran's day from 1 vet to another.... much love to all my SP's & USAF brethren and to all my 13B & US Army brethren!!!!
Source: Getty Images
Trivia
- Fernando is represented by two talent agencies, CMA Entertainment and Work Talent.
- Happy Gilmore 2 was released on Netflix on July 25, 2025, nearly 30 years after the original 1996 film.
- The retired professional MMA fighter has won three awards and one nomination for his trailblazing influence in the entertainment industry.
Summary
Fernando Marrero's diverse background as an athlete and performer has been pivotal in his breakout role as Screech in Happy Gilmore 2. His expanding filmography and association with iconic projects highlight a promising career trajectory in the entertainment industry.
READ MORE: Adam Sandler's biography
Briefly.co.za shared an article about Adam Sandler, a famous comedian, actor, film producer, screenwriter, entrepreneur, and songwriter. He rose to prominence for hosting Saturday Night Live at the onset of his career.
Sandler is best known for appearing in critically acclaimed films such as Big Daddy, The Longest Yard, and The Wedding Singer. He has since accumulated a significant fortune thanks to his longstanding career in entertainment.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
