Mary Rivera cause of death: Spider-Man: No Way Home actress dies at 82. Netizens pay tribute to the 'legend'

Mary Egida Rivera, also known as Ned Leeds' beloved grandmother in Spider-Man: No Way Home, has died at the age of 82. The actress, whose brief but memorable appearance became one of the film's most cherished moments, passed away peacefully. News of her death has led to an outpouring of tributes from fans, many of whom remembered her for proudly representing the Filipino community in one of Hollywood's biggest superhero films.

According to her obituary, Rivera died on April 15, 2026, in Honolulu. TMZ later reported, citing a family member, that the actress had suffered a stroke before being placed on life support.

Mary Rivera's cause of death

Mary Rivera's passing was confirmed through an obituary published by her family, which stated that she died peacefully in Honolulu at the age of 82. TMZ later reported that she had experienced a stroke before being placed on life support.


Born on June 2, 1943, in Iloilo, Philippines, Rivera spent much of her life celebrating her Filipino heritage. Her family said she was especially proud to appear in Spider-Man: No Way Home as the grandmother of Ned Leeds, a role that allowed her to represent Filipino culture on a global stage.

Although her screen time was limited, the actress' performance left a lasting impression on audiences around the world. Sharing scenes with Hollywood stars including Tom Holland, Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, Andrew Garfield, Tobey Maguire and Jamie Foxx, she became part of one of Marvel Studios' biggest box-office successes.

Her family also revealed that they encouraged her to audition for the role, a decision that would eventually become one of the defining moments of her acting career.

The unforgettable scene that made fans love Ned's Lola

Released in 2021, Spider-Man: No Way Home became a global phenomenon by bringing together three generations of Spider-Man actors, Tom Holland, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, in a multiverse adventure. Some of the clips from the movie are still making rounds on the internet.

She appeared as Ned Leeds' grandmother, affectionately called Lola. One of the film's funniest scenes unfolds when Ned accidentally opens a magical portal in his living room, allowing Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man to step through.

Initially shocked by the unexpected visitor, Rivera's character quickly steals the scene with her humour. After Garfield's Spider-Man climbs onto the ceiling to prove his identity, Ned's Lola speaks to him in Tagalog, asking him to clean the cobwebs while he is already up there. The light-hearted exchange became an instant fan favourite and remains one of the film's most memorable comedic moments.

For many viewers, Rivera's performance also stood out because it showcased Filipino language and culture in a major Marvel production, making the scene even more meaningful for audiences from the Philippines and across the Filipino diaspora.

Fans remember a proud representative of Filipino culture

Following news of Rivera's death, fans flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, remembering both her warmth on screen and the pride she brought to the Filipino community.




Many thanked her for representing Filipino families with authenticity and grace in Spider-Man: No Way Home. One tribute described her as someone who would always be remembered for making the community proud through her portrayal of Ned's Lola.



Another user wrote, "Rest in peace, Mary Rivera. She has sadly passed away at the age of 82. Thank you for the laughter, the memories, and the unforgettable moments you gave us. This Spider-Man scene will always be one of the funniest ever filmed. Even as we mourn her loss, her performance continues to bring smiles to millions. Legends may leave this world, but their work lives on forever."

Mary Rivera is survived by her husband, Alejandro Rivera, her four children, Carmela Jones, Paul Rivera, Edwin Rivera and Angela Kelly, as well as 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Family and friends gathered to celebrate her life on June 6 at Trinity Central Oahu Church in Mililani Tech Park, Hawaii.