Actress Mary Rivera Dies at 82 in Honolulu

Mary Rivera, an actress who gained recognition for her role in the 2021 Marvel blockbuster 'Spider-Man: No Way Home,' has died at age 82 in Honolulu, according to family members.

Rivera passed away on April 15 following complications from a stroke, a family member told TMZ.com. Medical professionals informed the family that her condition was extremely serious, and even if she regained consciousness from the coma, her prognosis would remain poor. Facing this difficult reality, the family made the decision to remove her from life support.

The actress was later cremated, according to family.

In the Marvel film, Rivera portrayed the Filipino grandmother of Ned Leeds, a character who serves as best friend to the titular superhero. Her participation in the major motion picture represented one of her proudest achievements, family members said. They recalled encouraging her to audition for the part, which ultimately became a source of immense pride for the actress.

Rivera appeared in a memorable scene alongside Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man, speaking in Tagalog as she requests help removing cobwebs from the ceiling while Ned translates the exchange.

A family member told TMZ.com that Rivera lived a fulfilling life. She is survived by her husband, Alejandro, her children, 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

The film 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' became a cultural phenomenon upon its release, earning widespread acclaim and substantial box office success. Rivera's contribution to the production, though brief, left a lasting impression on audiences and represented a meaningful chapter in her life.