Summary (tl;dr)

Mary Rivera, the actress widely recognized for her role as Ned Leeds' Filipino grandmother in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," has passed away at the age of 82, with the news recently confirmed by her family.

Essential Background

Mary Rivera, a Hawaii-based Filipino actress, gained significant recognition for her memorable, albeit brief, appearance in the 2021 Marvel film "Spider-Man: No Way Home." She portrayed Ned Leeds' grandmother, affectionately known as Lola, and captivated audiences with a humorous scene where she addressed Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man in Tagalog, asking him to clean cobwebs. This role, which her family encouraged her to audition for, was considered one of her proudest achievements.

The Full Story

News of Mary Rivera's passing was confirmed by her family to TMZ on August 4, 2026, leading to widespread trending online. Rivera died on April 15, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii, at 82 years old, after suffering a stroke. She was placed on life support, but following a serious prognosis from doctors, her family made the difficult decision to remove her from it. Her remains were later cremated.

Why It Matters

Mary Rivera's death is significant to fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, particularly those who cherished her authentic portrayal of a Filipino grandmother. Her character's brief but impactful scene, including the use of the Tagalog language, resonated deeply with many, highlighting the importance of cultural representation in global cinema. Her passing marks the loss of an actress who, through a single role, left a lasting impression and became a beloved figure to a wide audience.

Geographic Location

• Honolulu, Hawaii, United States (passing away)