The entertainment industry is mourning the loss of actress Mary Rivera, who has died at the age of 82. Best remembered by moviegoers for her heartfelt portrayal of Ned Leeds’ grandmother, affectionately known as “Lola,” in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Rivera leaves behind a legacy of warmth, authenticity, and a performance that resonated with audiences around the world. Her family said she passed away peacefully in Honolulu on April 15, 2026, after suffering a stroke.
News of Rivera’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow performers, and members of the film community, many of whom have celebrated the lasting impression she made despite her limited screen time in one of Marvel Studios’ biggest box office successes.
Although her role in Spider-Man: No Way Home was brief, Rivera’s portrayal of the loving Filipino grandmother of Jacob Batalon’s character, Ned Leeds, became one of the film’s most memorable moments. Her scenes blended humor, warmth, and family affection, providing audiences with a heartfelt glimpse into the close-knit relationship between Ned and his grandmother. For many Filipino viewers, her appearance also represented a meaningful moment of cultural representation on the global stage.
Rivera, a Filipino-American who was born in Iloilo, Philippines, was reportedly encouraged by her family to audition after a casting call sought an older Filipina actress for the role. Before making her Hollywood debut, she had dedicated much of her life to serving others as a church missionary and had also worked as a teacher and radio broadcaster. Her family said she was immensely proud of being cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and cherished the opportunity to represent the Filipino community on the big screen.
Her appearance in Spider-Man: No Way Home demonstrated that even supporting roles can leave a profound and lasting impact. Fans frequently recalled her unforgettable exchanges with Peter Parker and Ned, praising the authenticity she brought to the character and the warmth she conveyed in every scene.
Following news of her death, tributes poured across social media, with fans sharing favorite moments from the film and expressing gratitude for the joy she brought to audiences. Jacob Batalon, who portrayed Ned Leeds, also paid tribute to Rivera, remembering her affectionately as “Lola” and honoring her memory.
Beyond her on-screen accomplishments, those who knew Mary Rivera remember her as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose compassion and generosity extended far beyond the world of entertainment. According to her obituary, she is survived by her husband, Alejandro Rivera, four children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
As fans revisit her memorable performance in Spider-Man: No Way Home, Mary Rivera’s legacy continues to endure through the laughter, warmth, and heartfelt humanity she brought to one of the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most beloved family scenes. Though her time on screen was brief, her performance remains a lasting reminder that even the smallest roles can create unforgettable moments that resonate with audiences for years to come.
