Mary Rivera, the Filipino-American actress who appeared in Marvel's blockbuster "Spider-Man: No Way Home," died on April 15 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She was 82. Rivera suffered a stroke, according to her family.
Born June 2, 1943, in Iloilo, Philippines, Rivera played Ned's grandmother in the 2021 film, which became one of the highest-grossing movies of all time. Her scene opposite Jacob Batalon's character Ned provided a brief but memorable family moment within the sprawling multiverse narrative that captivated global audiences.
Rivera's appearance in "No Way Home" represented a significant moment in her acting career, though she had worked steadily in television and film for years prior. Her casting reflected Marvel's deliberate efforts to expand representation within its universe, particularly in supporting family roles that ground the fantastical storytelling in recognizable human relationships.
The film, directed by Jon Watts and released by Sony Pictures in partnership with Marvel Studios, grossed over $1.9 billion worldwide and launched multiple narrative threads that reverberated throughout the MCU's subsequent phases. While Rivera's screen time was modest, her presence contributed to the film's emotional anchor, reminding audiences of the personal stakes underlying the superhero spectacle.
Rivera's death marks another loss within the extended Marvel community. Her family confirmed details to entertainment outlets, noting her longtime residence in Hawaii. She left behind a legacy that included both her work in cinema and television, as well as her contributions to Filipino-American representation in Hollywood during an era when such visibility remained limited.