Spider Man No Way Home Actress Mary Rivera Remembered After Her Passing at 82

03 August 2026

Mary Rivera may have appeared on screen for only a few minutes, but her heartfelt performance in Spider Man: No Way Home left an unforgettable impression on millions of moviegoers around the world. The actress, who portrayed Ned Leeds' beloved Filipino grandmother in the blockbuster Marvel film, has died at the age of 82. Although her acting career included just one credited film role, Rivera's warmth, authenticity, and memorable screen presence earned her a special place in the hearts of fans and helped create one of the movie's most cherished scenes.

Rivera passed away on April 15 in Honolulu, Hawaii, after suffering a stroke. According to her family, she fell into a coma following the medical emergency. Doctors informed them that even if she regained consciousness, her chances of meaningful recovery were extremely limited. Faced with that difficult reality, her loved ones made the heartbreaking decision to remove her from life support. She was later cremated. The news of her passing became public several months later after her family shared the information with the media.

Although many audiences came to know her through Marvel, Rivera's path to the big screen was far from conventional. Born in Iloilo in the Philippines, she later settled in Hawaii, where she devoted much of her life to serving her community. Over the years she worked as a radio broadcaster, teacher, church missionary, and dedicated mother. Friends and relatives often described her greatest accomplishments not in terms of fame but through the love she showed her family and the people whose lives she touched.

Her journey into Hollywood began unexpectedly when her daughter, Angie Kelly, discovered a casting call seeking a local Filipino grandmother for an upcoming Marvel production. Believing her mother would be perfect for the role, Kelly encouraged Rivera to audition. During the casting process, Rivera simply spoke about her life, sharing stories about immigrating to the United States, raising four children, and becoming a grandmother to eleven grandchildren. Her sincerity impressed the filmmakers, earning her the role that would introduce her to audiences around the globe.

In Spider Man: No Way Home, Rivera portrayed the grandmother of Ned Leeds, played by Jacob Batalon. Despite appearing briefly, she became part of one of the film's funniest and most memorable sequences. Speaking in Tagalog, she asks Andrew Garfield's version of Spider Man to climb onto the ceiling and remove a cobweb. The simple exchange brought a lighthearted pause during one of the movie's emotional moments and delighted audiences, particularly Filipino viewers who celebrated seeing their language and culture represented in one of Hollywood's biggest franchises.

According to her family, Rivera was immensely proud of being part of the Marvel universe. Although it was her only credited acting role, she considered the experience one of the highlights of her life. Following the film's release, she received recognition in Hawaii for representing the Filipino community on a global stage. Fans appreciated how naturally she portrayed a loving grandmother, bringing authenticity and warmth to a scene that quickly became a fan favorite.

Tributes began pouring in shortly after news of her passing became public. Jacob Batalon, who played her on screen grandson, shared a heartfelt message on social media, writing, "Rest in Paradise Lola," accompanied by hearts and expressions of grief. Across social media platforms, fans remembered Rivera as the affectionate grandmother whose brief appearance brought comfort, humor, and cultural representation to one of Marvel's biggest films. Many Filipino viewers recalled how emotional it felt hearing Tagalog spoken in a major superhero movie for the first time.

Friends and former colleagues also honored Rivera through messages shared on her obituary page. Many described her as a generous mentor, compassionate friend, and devoted member of her community. Others reflected on the countless lives she influenced through teaching, broadcasting, missionary work, and her dedication to family. While Hollywood audiences knew her through a single memorable performance, those closest to her remembered a lifetime of service and kindness.

Rivera is survived by her husband Alejandro, her four children, eleven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. Her family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support received from fans around the world who embraced her performance with such affection. For many viewers, her unforgettable scene in Spider Man: No Way Home will remain a lasting reminder that even the smallest roles can leave the biggest impact when performed with sincerity and heart.

Though Mary Rivera's time in front of the camera was brief, her legacy extends far beyond a single film. She represented family, culture, and authenticity in a way that resonated across generations. As fans continue revisiting one of Marvel's most beloved films, they will undoubtedly remember the warm smile and gentle humor of Ned's grandmother, a performance that ensured Mary Rivera's place in cinematic history.