Glee actress Naya Rivera found dead: Celebrity friends and co-stars pay tribute
The actress' body was found on Monday (Jul 13), five days after she went missing following a boating trip with her young son.
Glee actress Naya Rivera. (Photo: Frederick M. Brown / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Naya Rivera’s co-stars from Glee and other celebrities who knew her have paid tribute to the late actress, who was found dead on Monday (Jul 13).
Rivera went missing on Jul 8 after going boating at California’s Lake Piru with her four-year-old son. According to search and rescue officials, Rivera had pushed her son back onto the boat before disappearing into the water.
READ: Glee co-star asks to join search for missing 'close friend' Naya Rivera
Her co-stars from the hit TV show have expressed their grief at her death.
Jane Lynch, who played Sue Sylvester, wrote on Twitter, “Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family."
Chris Colfer, Kurt Hummel on the show, called Rivera “one of a kind.” He added: “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.”
Lea Michele posted several black-and-white photos on her Instagram Stories: One of Rivera, one of another co-star who died, Cory Monteith, and another of the cast.
Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on the show, died of an accidental overdose in 2013. He and Michele had been dating at the time. Coincidentally, Rivera’s body was found on the seventh anniversary of Monteith’s death.
Rivera’s death is the latest tragedy to hit the cast of the show. She used to date Glee co-star Mark Salling for three years. He died of suicide in 2018 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.
Fellow celebrities, some of whom had worked with Rivera, have also gone on social media to talk about the actress.
Singer and This Is Us star Mandy Moore called the news that Rivera’s body had been found “absolutely heartbreaking”.
Singer Bebe Rexha wrote that she had the pleasure of having dinner with Rivera once after a recording session and “she was an absolute sweetheart.” She added: “My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven.”
Riverdale star Lili Reinhart tweeted that she grew up watching Glee and that "Naya Rivera was such a beautiful talent." She added: "My heart breaks for her son. Hold on tight to your people right now, if you’re lucky enough to be near them.”
Rivera played lesbian teen Santana in Glee. Most recently, she appeared in TV series Devious Maids and was also in the online series, Step Up: High Water, which also starred Ne-Yo.
