Andrew Garfield's Parents, Lynn and Richard Garfield, raised the actor and his brother in their mother's native land. They both worked jobs while running a small business to make ends meet and supported both sons in pursuing their dreams.
Andrew Garfield's parents, Lynn and Richard Garfield, have been a constant source of support for their son throughout his acting career.
Lynn, whose hometown is in England, gave birth to Andrew in California with their firstborn son, Ben. Sadly, she passed away after losing a battle with cancer.
Lynn Garfield, Richard Garfield and Andrew Garfield at the 72nd Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 10, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Where Did Andrew Garfield's Parents Raise Him?
Andrew's parents moved their family across the Atlantic Ocean and settled into Lynn's home country when the actor was three years old. The couple chose Epsom as their new home, a small town housing 80,000 residents.
Lynn and Richard opened an interior design business in their community to make ends meet. However, they both found other interests that generated more income.
Andrew's dad became a swimming coach at the Guilford City Swimming Club, a title he continues to have, while his wife taught at a nursery school.
Holding education in high regard, the couple enrolled their son at Priory Preparatory School and City of London Freemen's School. While receiving his education, Andrew's interest in acting began, and by age nine, he was receiving lessons in Guilford.
Richard Garfield, Andrew Garfield, and Lynn Garfield during the 2018 O&M Private Tony After Party at The Carlysle Hotel on June 10, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Andrew's acting had always been impressive, with his mentors having positive feedback. Although his father wasn't an actor, he raised his son to be a hard worker devoted to his craft. During a previous interview, the "Spider-Man" star said:
"I'm for hard work. I was raised by a swimming coach father. I like feeling devoted. I like grinding at something that I care about."
Richard Garfield Spilled on His Son's Childhood Days
Richard did a great job raising his son, who he said had a humorous side since childhood. "His grandmother thought [and] predicted that he go to clown college," Andrew's dad said.
Andrew Garfield during the GQ "Men of the Year" party at The West Hollywood EDITION on November 18, 2021, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Lynn had a short battle with cancer before she passed away in December 2019. Fortunately, she and her son left no words unsaid and spent the most time they could together in her last two weeks.
The actor walked the 2017 Oscars Award ceremony with Richard, where the doting father shared how proud he was of Andrew and Ben, his other son, a doctor.
Lynn Garfield Was Her Son's Biggest Supporter
Meanwhile, Lynn played a significant role in pushing Andrew toward an acting career. She would encourage him to follow his dreams even when things got tough.
Lynn was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2019, but she wanted her son to focus on his career even with her condition. Andrew, who was filming "The Eyes of Tammy Faye" at that time, continued to work on set after his mother encouraged him to do so.
Andrew's mom told him she wouldn't feel at ease knowing he paused his career and missed a great opportunity because of her. While Andrew followed her wishes, he made Lynn promise to let him know when he needed to be by her side.
Unfortunately, the phone call he dreaded came before the movie was completed. Lynn was only getting worse with time, so her son flew home to England to spend the remaining time she had left together.
Lynn Garfield Lost Her Battle with Cancer
Lynn had a short battle with cancer before she passed away in December 2019. Fortunately, she and her son left no words unsaid and spent the most time they could together in her last two weeks.
However, there is one thing that Andrew would have wanted. "I would've loved my mom to have met my kids if I'm going to have kids, and she will in spirit. She'll be there for it. I know she's there for all the big ones," he admitted.
Andrew Garfield honored his mother through the musical production "Tick, Tick… Boom!" where he stars as Jon Larson.
In 2021, Andrew spoke about grieving over his mom's death on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," revealing that he likes talking about her.
He also said that grieving will happen until his last breath, or so he hopes, because of the love that he did not get to express while Lynn was still alive.
Richard Garfield Transformed His Grief into Something Beautiful
Lynn's passing was hard not only on Andrew but also, most especially, on her husband, Richard. Besides playing with his grandchildren, Richard became a new hobby after losing Lynn.
According to Andrew, his father turned their garden into a beautiful "subtropical garden," complete with a water feature and a moat. Grief hasn't been good for him, as it would for anyone, but Richard channeled his energy to create something beautiful with nature. Andrew said:
"Knowing he's created something so beautiful out of the worst loss you could ever, [voice breaking]. They were together, in love. They were an imperfect couple that stayed together."
Meanwhile, Andrew Garfield honored his mother through the musical film "Tick, Tick… Boom!" where he stars as Jon Larson. Through Larson's song, Andrew was able to pay tribute to Lynn through the unfinished lyrics.
The actor later explained that Lynn's death taught him that everyone leaves this world with a song that has yet to be completed. Being able to finish his mom's piece in the musical makes him feel as though she is proud of him.
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