Glee cast pay tribute to Naya Rivera following her tragic death

Louise McCreesh
·7 min read
Photo credit: Tommy Garcia - Fox
Photo credit: Tommy Garcia - Fox

From Digital Spy

The cast of Glee have paid tribute to Naya Rivera following her tragic death aged 33.

The actress, who played Santana Lopez on the groundbreaking series and also had roles in Devious Maids and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, was reported missing following a boat trip with her son on Lake Piru in California last week.

A spokesperson for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office sadly announced on Monday (July 13) that a body discovered earlier in the day was Naya. No indication of foul play or suicide has been detected.

Photo credit: FOX via Getty Images
Photo credit: FOX via Getty Images

Related: Paying tribute to the stars we've lost in 2020 – in memoriam

Following the devastating news, Naya's former Glee cast mates have paid tribute to the actress.

Jane Lynch, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Alex Newell, Samantha Ware, Lauren Potter, Damian McGinty and Glee guest star Demi Lovato – who played Santana's one-time love interest – were among those to express their heartbreak on social media.

Lea Michele also posted pictures of both Naya and her late boyfriend Cory Monteith, on the seventh anniversary of his death, to her Instagram Story.

Photo credit: Fox
Photo credit: Fox

"Rest sweet, Naya," said Jane Lynch. "What a force you were."

Amber Riley said: "My favourite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don't have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel."

Demi Lovato wrote: "RIP Naya Rivera. I'll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee. The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted (at the time) queer girls like me, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world."

Below are more of their tributes:

View this post on Instagram

My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything.

A post shared by Amber Riley (@msamberpriley) on Jul 13, 2020 at 9:02pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

There are no words and yet so many things I want to say, I don't believe I'll ever be able to articulate exactly what I feel but... Naya, you were a ⚡️ force and everyone who got to be around you knew it and felt the light and joy you exuded when you walked into a room. You shined on stage and screen and radiated with love behind closed doors. I was lucky enough to share so many laughs, martinis and secrets with you. I can not believe I took for granted that you'd always be here. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow, so I will not look back and regret but know I love you and promise to help the legacy of your talent, humor, light and loyalty live on. You are so loved. You deserved the world and we will make sure Josey and your family feel that everyday. I miss you already.

A post shared by Jenna Ushkowitz (@jennaushkowitz) on Jul 13, 2020 at 3:40pm PDT

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She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun.⁣ ⁣ Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face.⁣ ⁣ She played by her own rules and was in a class of her own. She had a brashness about her that I couldn’t help but be enchanted by. I also always loved her voice, and savored every chance I got to hear her sing. I think she had more talent than we would have ever been able to see.⁣ ⁣ I was constantly moved by the degree to which she took care of her family, and how she looked out for her friends. She showed up for me on numerous occasions where she didn’t have to, and I was always so grateful for her friendship then, as I certainly am now.⁣ ⁣ And even as I sit here, struggling to comprehend, gutted beyond description- the very thought of her cracks me up and still brings a smile to my face. That was Naya’s gift. And it's a gift that will never go away. ⁣ ⁣ Rest in peace you wild, hilarious, beautiful angel.

A post shared by Darren Criss (@darrencriss) on Jul 13, 2020 at 6:00pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t. Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. 💔 Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.

A post shared by Chris Colfer (@chriscolfer) on Jul 13, 2020 at 2:33pm PDT

View this post on Instagram

My heart is broken.. I truly had soo much fun filming this little segment... we both clearly didn’t wanna be there but made the most of it! Naya was truly a star.. one day as I was coming out of hair and make up I saw her sitting at base camp and she said “Alex... when you go on tour can you please say ‘everybody say heeeyy Ms. Newell’’ just for me!” I said absolutely we laughed and had a short little convo about life and music.. I’ll cherish that moment for ever!! I watched her preform with such power, brilliance, and honesty.. While being a light as a person! The love she had for her family and friends was always clear! She will truly be missed! Josey you are loved by all the people who love your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with her family! Rest Sweet Angel..

A post shared by Alex Newell (@thealexnewell) on Jul 13, 2020 at 2:21pm PDT

Our thoughts are with Naya's family at this time.

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