‘Glee’ stars pay tribute to Naya Rivera

Former Glee co-stars of Naya Rivera, who died recently after drowning in Lake Piru in California, shared tributes on social media, remembering their wonderful memories with the actress.

The show’s creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, released a statement saying they were heartbroken over the death of Rivera, who played Santana on the show, and recalled her immense talent on the show.

“It didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with,” their statement said.

Dianna Agron, who played high school cheerleader Quinn Fabray on the show, said Rivera was her friend and ally.

 

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⁣⁣ Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve been revisiting Naya’s performances on our show and it has brought me great joy. To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb – her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent – supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust. I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontenaous 36 hour excursion – one might even say diversion – to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.⁣⁣ On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L’École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ In absolute, loving memory.

A post shared by Dianna Agron (@diannaagron) on Jul 14, 2020 at 9:14am PDT

“Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown,” she said in an Instagram post. “To work with her was a gift. I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy.”

Matthew Morrison, who played Will Schuester on Glee, recalled the positive influence of Rivera on the world, and how she was a “powerful force” both in her personal life and in her work.

 

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Naya was a such a powerful force, in both her personal life and in her work. While so many of us were trying to find our voice, Naya’s was clear and resolute. When she spoke, you would embrace every last word. And when she sang, she would let you into her soul. Glee acted as only a snippet of her life that we all, thankfully, had the honor of witnessing. But Naya would shine brightest when surrounded by her wonderful family. A common passion we both shared recently was that of our roles as parents. Naya was fervent about motherhood and had a steadfast love for Josey. It is that powerful love that ensures us that her story does not end here. I’m confident that her positive influence will be continuously felt, and that her beautiful spirit will carry on in the lives of so many. I’m devastated by this immense loss. This week has been long and trying with much praying and hope. I find some solace in closure, but the pain I feel for her and her family cannot be measured. Rest in peace, keep shining down on us with your bright light.

A post shared by Matthew Morrison (@matthewmorrison) on Jul 14, 2020 at 10:44am PDT

“I’m confident that her positive influence will be continuously felt, and that her beautiful spirit will carry on in the lives of so many. I’m devastated by this immense loss. I find some solace in closure, but the pain I feel for her and her family cannot be measured,” he wrote in the caption.

Chris Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel, posted a photo of him and Naya on his Instagram, remembering their decade of friendship.

 

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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

“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,” he wrote on the caption.

He added that Rivera spoke truth with fearlessness, and that she uplifted people without 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.”

Heather Morris, who played Santana’s best friend and love interest, said is “taking a moment to honor my grief.”

 

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A post shared by Heather Morris (@heatherrelizabethh) on Jul 14, 2020 at 1:47pm PDT

Jane Lynch, meanwhile, tweeted “Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.”

Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.

— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) July 13, 2020

While she had a tumultous relationship with Rivera, Lea Michele also posted a tribute to her and Cory Monteith via her Instagram stories.

Reports also said that Murphy, Falchuk and Brennan are currently in the process of setting up a college fund for Rivera’s son.

SEE ALSO: Body of ‘Glee’ star Naya Rivera found, autopsy rules drowning as cause of death