Mary Rivera, ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Actress, Dies at 82
Mary Rivera, the actress who captivated audiences as Ned Leeds' Filipino grandmother in 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' has passed away at 82 following a stroke on April 15, 2026. Discover details of her memorable role, her impact on Filipino representation in Hollywood, and her life beyond the screen in this article.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of Mary Rivera, the remarkable actress known for her memorable role as Ned Leeds' Lola (grandmother) in the 2021 Marvel Cinematic Universe hit, Spider-Man: No Way Home. Rivera passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 82, in Honolulu, Hawaii. The news of her passing broke on August 4, 2026, as reported by TMZ. VC Jayamani, Veteran Tamil TV and Film Actor, Dies After Suffering Cardiac Arrest.
‘Spider-Man’ Actress Mary Rivera No More
According to reports from TMZ, Rivera suffered a stroke and subsequently entered a coma. Her family was informed by doctors that her condition was extremely serious and that even if she were to emerge from the coma, her prognosis would not be good. Facing this heartbreaking reality, Rivera's family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support. She was later cremated.
Rivera's portrayal of Ned Leeds' Tagalog-speaking grandmother brought a touching element of cultural authenticity and humour to Spider-Man: No Way Home. In one of the film's most memorable scenes, she famously asked Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man to clean cobwebs from the ceiling, with Ned translating her Tagalog dialogue. A family member shared with TMZ that Rivera lived a good life and was immensely proud of her appearance in the Marvel blockbuster, a role her family encouraged her to audition for.
A Cinematic Debut That Brought Pride
Spider-Man: No Way Home marked Mary Rivera's only known screen appearance, a fact that makes her impact even more profound. Her daughter, Angie Kelly, recounted how she discovered a casting call on Facebook looking for a local Hawai'i Filipina grandmother between the ages of 50 and 90. Despite initial reluctance, Rivera agreed to audition, ultimately securing the role that would bring Filipino language and culture to a global cinematic audience. "It was a rare privilege for me, a simple Filipina, to be featured in a Hollywood movie," Rivera stated in a past interview with KHON2. Her role was widely praised for its authentic representation, becoming a source of pride for her homeland, the Philippines.
Legacy of a Beloved Lola
Beyond her acting debut, Mary Rivera led a varied life, having worked as a radio broadcaster and a teacher. She also worked as a missionary before her retirement. However, her daughter emphasised that her most cherished roles were that of a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her loving husband, Alejandro, her four children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. ‘Spider-Man’ Star Jacob Batalon Secretly Marries Interior Designer Veronica Leahov Around ‘Brand New Day’ Release.
Her small but significant contribution to Spider-Man: No Way Home helped solidify the film's reputation as a cultural phenomenon and left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide. The movie, directed by Jon Watts and starring Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jacob Batalon, was a massive success, grossing an astounding USD 1.921 billion worldwide after its theatrical release on December 17, 2021, becoming the highest-grossing film released by Sony Pictures.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 10:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).