Mary Rivera, the actress who won hearts as Ned Leeds’ grandmother in Spider-Man: No Way Home, has died at the age of 82. News of her passing surfaced publicly on August 3, 2026, though her family confirms she died months earlier, on April 15, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Who Was Mary Rivera
Mary Egida Rivera was born on June 2, 1943, in Iloilo, Philippines, and later made her home in Mililani, Hawaii. She spent much of her life as a retired missionary for her church before an unexpected opportunity brought her into the spotlight. Rivera had no formal acting background, and her role in Spider-Man: No Way Home remains her only credited acting appearance on record.
How She Landed Her Spider-Man Role
Rivera’s path to Hollywood began with a simple Facebook casting call. Her daughter, Angie Kelly, spotted an ad seeking a local Hawaii Filipina grandmother between the ages of 50 and 90 and encouraged her mother to audition. Rivera fit the description perfectly, and after speaking about herself and her interest in the role, she was cast in the 2021 Marvel blockbuster.
In the film, Rivera played Ned Leeds’ Lola, appearing in a memorable scene alongside Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, and a surprise cameo from Andrew Garfield’s version of Spider-Man. Speaking in Tagalog, her character scolded the visiting Spider-Man and asked him to clear cobwebs from her ceiling, a moment that resonated with audiences for its warmth and cultural authenticity.
Cause of Death and Final Days
According to family members, Rivera suffered a major stroke that left her in a coma. Doctors reportedly told the family that even if she woke up, her prognosis would not improve. Faced with this difficult outlook, her family made the decision to remove her from life support. She passed away on April 15, 2026, in Honolulu, and her body was later cremated.
Why the News Is Emerging Now
Rivera’s death was not widely reported at the time it occurred. Her passing came to public attention only after the release of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which recently achieved the biggest opening weekend ever for a film released in the United States. The renewed spotlight on the Spider-Man franchise appears to have prompted family members and outlets to share the news of her death more broadly, months after she had already passed.
Family and Tributes
Rivera is survived by her husband, her children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Her daughter, Angie Kelly, has spoken publicly about her mother’s pride in the role, describing how much the experience meant to her. Fans and former colleagues have shared tributes online, remembering Rivera as a warm, genuine presence who brought authentic Filipino culture and language to a major Hollywood production.
Her Legacy
Though Mary Rivera appeared in only one credited film role, her brief scene in Spider-Man: No Way Home left a lasting impression on viewers. Many have praised the film for representing Filipino culture and language on a global stage, with Rivera’s performance cited as a small but meaningful moment of representation in a massive superhero franchise. Her family and community continue to remember her as someone who lived a full life dedicated to her faith, her family, and her community, with her unexpected turn in Hollywood as a proud final chapter.
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