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Andrew Garfield Reveals How Jessica Chastain Helped Him Visit His Dying Mother
Oct
“I’m really very grateful for that time with her,” the actor says of his Eyes of Tammy Faye co-star.
Andrew Garfield is opening up about a deeply personal experience during the making of The Eyes of Tammy Faye and how Jessica Chastain, his co-star, stepped in during one of the hardest times of his life.
The Tick, Tick… Boom! actor shared that Chastain, along with Searchlight Pictures executive David Greenbaum, rearranged the film’s schedule to allow Garfield to fly home to England to be with his mother, Lynn, who was battling pancreatic cancer. Lynn passed away in 2019, but Garfield now reflects on the time he spent with her as a precious gift.
“Jessica Put Filming on Hold So I Could Be With My Mom”
In a new interview with PEOPLE, Garfield recalled how Chastain and the production team prioritized his personal needs over their tight filming schedule in North Carolina.
“What was amazing was that [Jessica and David] rearranged the schedule last-minute—put filming on hold for a few days so that I could go back [to England] and be with my mom for 10 days,” Garfield shared.
The Amazing Spider-Man star expressed his deep gratitude for their kindness and the invaluable time it gave him with his mother. “I’m really very grateful for that time with her,” he added.
Garfield also recalled how his other Tammy Faye co-star, Vincent D’Onofrio, urged him to leave for England immediately. “Vincent said to me, ‘You’ve got to go. Don’t miss this.’ He had his own experience with loss and couldn’t make it back in time. It really stayed with me.”
A Heartfelt Reflection on Sesame Street
Garfield recently opened up further about his mother’s death in a heartfelt conversation with Elmo on Sesame Street. In a touching exchange with the beloved Muppet, Garfield discussed how he copes with grief.
“It’s actually kind of okay to miss somebody,” Garfield told Elmo. “It means you really loved them. When I miss my mom, I think about the cuddles and the hugs she gave me, and it makes me feel close to her, in a strange way.”
He continued, “It’s a way to celebrate her and miss her at the same time. That’s something I’ve learned.”
The clip quickly went viral, resonating with audiences who appreciated Garfield’s candid thoughts on love and loss.
Gratitude for Chastain’s Support
Reflecting on his bond with Chastain, Garfield told PEOPLE, “We had deep conversations because we were getting to know each other as people, not just as co-stars.” He added, “It was such a meaningful time because my mum was really sick, and ultimately, she passed away during the film.”
Chastain’s empathy and kindness left a lasting impact on Garfield. Her role as Tammy Faye Messner would later win her the Oscar for Best Actress in 2022. Garfield, who played televangelist Jim Bakker, expressed admiration for their collaborative journey, calling it “a very meaningful experience.”
Visiting Heritage USA: A Unique Filming Ritual
In the interview, Garfield also reminisced about visiting Heritage USA, the abandoned theme park once run by his character, Jim Bakker, and Tammy Faye. The cast made a tradition of visiting the park every Sunday during production.
“It was a beautiful ritual,” Garfield said. “We went there to connect with the spirit of Jim and Tammy and explore the place where they built their empire—for God, but also for themselves.”
As part of their research, Garfield and Chastain delved deep into the lives of the Bakkers, even interviewing former employees. “We met people like security guards who had worked for Jim and Tammy, and it gave us access to fascinating insights,” he shared. “It was both funny and profound.”
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As Garfield continues to reflect on the loss of his mother and the kindness he experienced on set, he remains grateful for the people who supported him during such a difficult time. His collaboration with Chastain in The Eyes of Tammy Faye became not just a career milestone but also a personal journey of healing and connection.
With the film now behind him, Garfield is carrying the lessons he learned through that challenging period—lessons about love, grief, and the importance of making time for those we cherish.
