Mary Rivera, 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' Actress, Dies at 82

Mary Rivera, the actress who portrayed the grandmother of Ned Leeds in the blockbuster "Spider-Man: No Way Home," has died at the age of 82. Her passing, which occurred in April, was publicly confirmed recently by a family member who shared details of her final days.

Rivera had been hospitalized in Honolulu, Hawaii, following a stroke that left her in a coma. After assessing her condition, medical professionals informed her family that recovery prospects were minimal. Consequently, the family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support. A loved one confirmed that Rivera died surrounded by her family.

Born in the Philippines on June 2, 1943, Rivera had no prior acting experience. Before entering the film industry, she dedicated much of her life to community service as a missionary. She also worked as a teacher and a radio announcer. Her acting career began when she learned that "Spider-Man: No Way Home" was seeking a Filipina actress to play Lola, Ned's grandmother. She auditioned and secured the role that brought her international recognition.

In addition to her role in the 2021 Marvel film, Rivera appeared in "Teddy Told Me To," released in 2023. She was married to Alejandro Rivera and had four children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.