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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Mary Rivera, beloved as Ned's Lola, dies at 82

Mary Rivera, beloved as Ned's Lola, dies at 82

Published Aug 4, 2026 03:20 pm

Filipina-American actress Mary Rivera, who won the hearts of Marvel fans worldwide with her memorable role as Ned Leeds' grandmother in "Spider-Man: No Way Home," has died. She was 82.

Playing Ned's "Lola," she shared the screen with Jacob Batalon, Zendaya, Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield, charming audiences when she casually spoke in Tagalog and asked Garfield's Spider-Man to clean the cobwebs from her ceiling, a comedic moment that quickly became a fan favorite while celebrating Filipino culture in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

According to her obituary, Rivera passed away on April 15, 2026 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Her family publicly announced her passing in August via an obituary, reporting that Rivera had suffered a stroke that left her in a coma before her family made the difficult decision to remove her from life support.

She is survived by her husband Alejandro, their four children, 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Her loved ones shared that Rivera was "extremely proud" of her role in the 2021 Marvel blockbuster, which introduced her to millions of moviegoers around the world.
Born on June 2, 1943, in La Paz, Iloilo City, Rivera earned her college degree from the University of San Agustin in 1964. Before making her Hollywood debut, she spent much of her life serving others as a school teacher, radio broadcaster and church missionary. She later married Pastor Alejandro Rivera, and the couple eventually settled in Honolulu, Hawaii.

In a Facebook tribute, her family proudly remembered Rivera's Ilonggo roots, describing her as a "pure Ilongga" whose warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met. They also noted that although fans will no longer see her reprise the role in future Spider-Man films, she "will always remain an icon in the movie franchise."

Rivera's performance in "Spider-Man: No Way Home" also earned recognition in Hawaii, where she was honored by state lawmakers following the film's success.

Though her appearance in the Marvel Cinematic Universe lasted only a few scenes, Mary Rivera's portrayal of Ned's Lola became a memorable symbol of Filipino representation on one of Hollywood's biggest stages, ensuring that her warmth, humor and unforgettable smile will continue to live on with audiences around the world.

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