Andrew Garfield Says He Tries to Emulate His Mother’s ‘Compassion and Care’ 7 Years After Her Death

**Andrew Garfield Reflects on Parental Influence in New Interview**

In a recent feature for Esquire UK, Andrew Garfield, the British-American actor renowned for his roles in various acclaimed films, has shared poignant reflections on the influence of his late mother, Lynn Garfield, and his father, Richard Garfield. The interview comes in the wake of his latest projects, including the upcoming film *The Uprising*, in which he portrays a leading character.

Garfield, 43, revealed his heartfelt memories of his mother, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2019. He described her as “a very purely unconditionally loving person,” someone who consistently sought to help those around her. “She wanted to assist everyone within her reach,” he reminisced. This innate kindness and perceptiveness were qualities he greatly admired. “It was a beautiful yet exhausting trait,” he noted, emphasising how she could sense when someone needed a touch of affection or support.

The actor’s profound connection with his mother was further highlighted in his 2021 appearance on *The Late Show with Stephen Colbert*. During that segment, he opened up about the deep sorrow he felt after her passing, stating, “I hope this grief remains with me because it embodies all the unexpressed love I didn’t get to convey to her,” despite having shared his affection daily.

Garfield also participated in a touching conversation with Elmo from *Sesame Street*, addressing the concept of grief with sensitivity. He reassured the young audience that it is acceptable to miss someone who has passed and described sadness as “kind of a gift,” reflecting his understanding of the complexities of mourning.

In the Esquire UK interview, Garfield also spoke about his relationship with his father, Richard, who is from America but now resides in Surrey, England. He highlighted the traits he has inherited from him, noting a shared ambition and a sense of competitiveness, along with a gentler quality. “He is a man of integrity, deeply ethical with a strong moral compass,” Garfield remarked, acknowledging the character traits he admires in his father.

However, Garfield candidly acknowledged that he also inherited his father’s capacity for anger. “For a long time, I saw anger as a negative emotion,” he admitted. “But I have come to understand it as essential for setting boundaries. Embracing anger is important to me now,” he said, revealing a nuanced understanding of emotions.

As the star of *The Uprising*, directed by Paul Greengrass, Garfield will illustrate the historical rebellion against the oppressive reign of King Richard II. Set for release on September 11, the film features a stellar cast, including Jamie Bell, Stephen Dillane, and Tom Hollander, and promises to be a gripping exploration of resilience in the face of tyranny.

In addition to *The Uprising*, Garfield is set to portray OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in the upcoming biopic titled *Artificial*, directed by Luca Guadagnino. His diverse roles in varying genres reiterate his versatility as an actor and his willingness to tackle complex and thought-provoking themes.

The actor’s reflections on his family and the lessons he has learned resonate deeply, illuminating the profound ways parental influence shapes one’s character and values. Through his career and personal anecdotes, Garfield continues to offer insights into the intricacies of love, loss, and growth. As he embarks on these new screen projects, fans and audiences alike look forward to witnessing his journey both as an actor and as an individual shaped by the enduring legacies of his parents.