Andrew Garfield shares the gift he’s discovered in grieving his mother

Andrew Garfield opens up about his profound grief following the loss of his mother, Linda, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2019. His willingness to share this deeply personal experience offers a unique connection for those navigating their own losses, providing a sense of solace and understanding.

In a candid conversation with CNN’s Anderson Cooper for the podcast “All There Is,” Garfield reflected on his mother’s remarkable qualities, which included gentleness, kindness, and a deep generosity of spirit. He recalled a poignant moment during her time in hospice care, noting, “On her hospice bed, she was more concerned with the nurses than she was with her own pain and discomfort.” This selflessness is emblematic of the way Garfield remembers her—someone whose love extended far beyond herself.

Garfield’s vulnerability resonated widely when he discussed his mother’s death during a 2021 appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” The clip, which has garnered over two million views on YouTube, struck a chord with many who were grieving during the pandemic. He expressed a desire to hold onto his grief, stating, “I hope this grief stays with me, because it’s all the unexpressed love that I didn’t get to tell her, and I told her every day. She was the best of us.”

Now, nearly five years later, Garfield confirms that this grief remains a vital part of him. “It’s so weird. It’s like the longing and the grief, fully inhabiting it and feeling it is the only way I can really feel close to her again,” he shared with Cooper, emphasizing the ongoing impact of his loss.

Garfield attributes much of his artistic drive to his mother, who recognized his talent and encouraged him to pursue the arts. When he ventured into acting, he humorously likened it to “joining the circus,” but soon found a sense of belonging that led to a successful career, including two Oscar nominations and roles in major franchises.

His latest film, “We Live in Time,” continues to explore themes of grief and love. Co-starring with Florence Pugh, the story centers on a couple grappling with a cancer diagnosis, highlighting the fragility of life. Garfield described the film as a “meditation on the shortness and sacredness of life,” noting that each scene feels imbued with a sense of loss. “It was beautiful to inhabit,” he remarked, emphasizing its emotional depth and the mix of wisdom and rage it conveys about life’s impermanence.

Even as he navigates life without his beloved mother, Garfield acknowledges that her presence still influences him. He reflects on how the loss has shifted his perspective, stating, “I know for a fact that this is a short life, and the things that mattered before don’t matter anymore.” He elaborates on how experiences feel more intense now—both sweeter and more bitter—due to his sorrow. “My feelings toward the world right now can fill me with much more bitterness and sourness, but in equal measure, I can feel a far deeper well of hope.”

Through his friendships, time spent in nature, and his creative pursuits, Garfield has discovered pathways to healing. “The grief and the loss is the only route to the vitality of being alive,” he reflects. “The wound is the only route to the gift.” This philosophy encapsulates his journey, illustrating how embracing grief can lead to profound insights and connections.

Garfield’s openness about his grief serves as a reminder that mourning is a deeply personal journey, and sharing it can foster connections with others facing similar experiences. His reflections not only honor his mother’s memory but also invite others to find solace in their own struggles, illustrating the universal nature of loss and the potential for healing through shared vulnerability.