Awww, Elmo Helps Andrew Garfield Process Grief Of Losing Mom

A collaboration between Andrew Garfield and Sesame Street wasn’t expected, but it turns out to be exactly what we needed.

In a viral video, actor Andrew Garfield shares his honest thoughts and feelings about grief with Sesame Street's Elmo, helping young viewers understand that it's okay to feel sad when missing loved ones.

ALSO READ: The Pain Of Grief Is Devastating When You Realize You Will Never See Your Mom Again

Elmo and Andrew Garfield Talk Grief

In the video, Elmo, ever the caring friend, sat down with Andrew on the iconic steps of Sesame Street to check on him. What followed was a heartfelt conversation about loss, love, and remembrance.

“Elmo’s going around Sesame Street checking in on everybody,” the 3.5-year-old Muppet said to a smiling Andrew. “So, Elmo wants to know how Andrew’s doing?” he asked.

Encouraged by Elmo’s promise to listen, Andrew shared that he’s been thinking about his mother, Lynn, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2019.

The actor, known for his roles in Tick, Tick... Boom! and The Amazing Spider-Man, told Elmo about how much he missed her. “I’m just thinking about my mum today,” he said softly. “You know, she passed away not too long ago, and I just miss her, miss her a lot.”

Elmo told Andrew he was sorry to hear that, but Andrew reassured him: “You don’t have to say sorry. It’s actually kind of OK to miss somebody. 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.”

The 41-year-old actor also spoke about how grief connected him to the memory of his mother, saying he often remembered the warmth of her hugs and cuddles when he felt sad. Elmo responded with a little squeeze, and Andrew, with a smile, shared that thinking about those special moments brought him comfort. “It makes me feel close to her when I miss her in a strange way,” Andrew added. “I can celebrate her and I can miss her at the same time.”

In turn, the fuzzy red Muppet promised Andrew that he would celebrate his mom, too. The exchange took an even sweeter turn when Andrew leaned in and told Elmo a secret: “Elmo was my mummy’s favorite.”

The video ended on an uplifting note as Elmo hugged Andrew and told him, “Elmo loves you, Andrew,” to which Andrew responded warmly, “I love you so much, Elmo. I always have and I always will.”

Elmo then turned to the camera and shared an important message: “You know what? We’re going to celebrate all the important and special people that you miss, too.” Andrew joined in, encouraging viewers to do the same, saying, “That’s right. Each and every day. All together.”

This touching conversation between Elmo and Andrew struck a chord with many viewers, reminding us all that grief is a natural part of love and that remembering those we’ve lost can bring comfort, even during the saddest days. 

Watch the video below:

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Click here to read Smart Parenting's age-by-age guide on how kids can understand the concept of death.