Screengrab from Netflix Philippines/Youtube
The Iloilo-born Hawaii resident appeared in a Tagalog-speaking scene in the 2021 film “Spider-Man: No Way Home.”
HONOLULU — Mary Egida Rivera, the Philippine-born Hawaii resident who played Ned Leeds’ grandmother in “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” died April 15 in Honolulu, according to her obituary. She was 82.
Rivera, a Mililani resident, was born June 2, 1943, in Iloilo, Philippines, to Vicente and Felicia Egida. Her obituary described her as a retired church missionary and said she was proud of her appearance in the 2021 film.
Her family later said Rivera had suffered a stroke before her death.
Rivera portrayed Lola, the grandmother of Ned Leeds, played by Filipino American actor Jacob Batalon. In her brief scene, she spoke in Tagalog while addressing Ned and the visitors in her home. She also asked one of the Spider-Men, through Ned, to remove a cobweb from the ceiling.
The scene drew attention among Filipino viewers for its use of Tagalog and depiction of a Filipino household in a major Hollywood production.
Rivera’s daughter, Angela “Angie” Kelly, said in a 2022 interview that she found a casting notice seeking a Hawaii-based Filipina grandmother and encouraged her mother to audition.
Rivera spoke during the audition about her life in the Philippines, her move to the United States and raising four children and 11 grandchildren, Kelly said.
Kelly said her mother had also worked as a radio broadcaster and teacher but considered being a mother and grandmother her most important roles.
News of Rivera’s death circulated widely this week, nearly four months after she died. Batalon paid tribute to his onscreen grandmother, writing, “Rest in paradise, Lola.”
Rivera is survived by her husband, Alejandro Rivera; four children; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
