How This SPIDER-MAN Star Navigates Grief After Mom’s Death
By Movieguide® Contributor
Andrew Garfield and Elmo sat down to explore how to navigate difficult emotions, including the grief that comes with a parent’s death.
“Elmo’s going around Sesame Street checking in on everybody,” Elmo told a smiling Garfield. “So, Elmo wants to know how Andrew’s doing?”
Garfield’s mother, Lynn, passed away in 2019 due to pancreatic cancer, a loss he feels every day.
“I’m just thinking about my mom today. She passed away not too long ago, and you know, I just miss her. Miss her a lot,” Garfield told Elmo.
“Elmo’s really sorry to hear that Mr. Andrew,” the little red monster responded.
“It’s actually kind of okay to miss somebody,” Garfield said.
Despite feeling sad, the actor acknowledged that his difficult emotions were a blessing in a way and reminded him of the good times with his mother.
“That sadness is kind of a gift. It’s kind of a lovely thing to feel, in a way, because it means you really loved somebody when you miss them,” Garfield said, adding: “When I miss my mom, I remember all of the cuddles I used to get from her, all of the hugs I used to get from her. It makes me feel close to her when I miss her, in a strange way. I’m happy to have all the memories of my mom and the joy she brought me, and the joy she brought my brother, and my dad, and everyone she ever met. Everyone around her.”
He added, “So, when I miss her, I remember it’s because she made me so happy. So I can celebrate her, and I can miss her at the same time.”
Garfield previously shared his appreciation for co-star Jessica Chastain who rearranged her schedule so that he could spend time with his mother before she died. The two were filming THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE at the time.
He previously told PEOPLE, “What was amazing was that [Searchlight Pictures’ David Greenbaum] and Jessica rearranged the schedule last-minute — put filming on hold [in North Carolina] for a few days so that I could go back [to England] and be with my mom for 10 days.”
READ MORE: ANDREW GARFIELD DRAWN TO ROLES THAT EXPLORE ‘THE MYSTERY OF A SPIRITUAL LIFE’
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