Andrew Garfield was born in Los Angeles in 1983 and raised primarily in England. Fans frequently search for details about his brother, parents, and upbringing. Here is the clear public record.
- Brother: Ben Garfield — NHS doctor (pulmonary / lung specialist) at Royal Brompton Hospital
- Mother: Lynn Garfield (née Hillman) — died of pancreatic cancer in 2019
- Father: Richard Garfield — American-born; former swimming coach
- Heritage: Jewish on his father’s side; has described himself as a “Jewish artist”
Is Andrew Garfield’s Brother a Doctor?
Yes. His older brother, Ben Garfield, is a physician in the UK National Health Service. He has been described as a pulmonary (lung) specialist connected with Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Andrew has spoken about him with clear pride in interviews, including joking that Ben “has a good reason” for losing his hair because of the intensity of medical work, and calling him the kind of doctor who stays late to help patients.
What Happened to Andrew Garfield’s Parents?
Garfield’s mother, Lynn, died in 2019 after pancreatic cancer. He has spoken openly and emotionally about her in interviews and podcasts, describing her as deeply empathetic and nurturing. His father, Richard, is still living; the two have a complex but ongoing relationship that Garfield has discussed in the context of ambition, approval, and later mutual respect. The family moved from California to Surrey, England, when Andrew was about three years old.
Early Life Notes
Garfield was a competitive swimmer and gymnast as a child. His parents ran a small interior-design business at one point; his mother also worked as a teaching assistant. He has said his father initially worried about the financial risk of an acting career, especially while Ben was on the path to medicine.
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Updated September 9, 2026
