Members of the “Glee” cast took to social media on Monday to mourn Naya Rivera, who was confirmed dead after a tragic drowning accident.
Rivera, who played Santana Lopez on the show, was 33.
“Rest sweet, Naya,” Jane Lynch tweeted. “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
Chris Colfer wrote that Rivera’s “brilliance and humor were unmatched,” in an Instagram post. “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.”
Rivera was first reported missing last Wednesday after renting a boat on California’s Lake Piru to go swimming with her four-year-old son Josey. The boy was found alone in the boat, with no sign of Rivera, and a six-day search ensued. Her body was recovered on Monday.
Kevin McHale’s lengthy Instagram post was a thing of beauty, pointing out that he body was discovered on the anniversary of Cory Monteith’s death: “7 years ago today, she and I were together in London when we found out about Cory. We were so far away, but I was so thankful that we had each other. A week ago today we were talking about running away to Hawaii. This doesn’t make sense. And I know it probably never will.
He went on to commend Rivera’s motherly ways: “If you were fortunate enough to have known her, you’ll know that her most natural talent of all was being a mother. The way that she loved her boy, it was truly Naya at her most peaceful. I’m thankful that Naya got that beautiful little boy got back on that boat. I’m thankful he will have a strong family around him to protect him and tell him about his incredible mom. …” (McHale touches on several other aspects of Rivera’s personality, talent and charms. We encourage you to go to his page).
In a lovely Instagram tribute, Becca Tobin wrote of Rivera’s big heart: “Naya was insanely talented, breathtakingly gorgeous, and one of the wittiest people I’ve ever met, but the legacy she left behind for me is her kindness. I joined the cast of Glee in the third season and as the newcomer, I was intimidated and terrified. The cast was already such a tight-knit group who had been working incredibly hard together for over three years to make it a hit show and I never expected any of them to have time for me. To my surprise, Naya, one of the most beloved by the rest of the cast (and the entire world), showed me instant warmth and kindness. …”
Jenna Ushkowitz wrote of “… the light and joy” Rivera exuded when she walked into a room. And she went on to recall how “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. …”
Kristin Cheoweth, who had a recurring role on “Glee,” tweeted, “Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you.”
The Fox network, where “Glee” became a pop cultural phenomenon, released a statement: “Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do this is such a terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made to GLEE, from the first episode to the last. Our hearts are broken and our thoughts go out to Naya’s family, friends and young son.”
Social media tributes also came from those not associated with “Glee,” including Oakland singer-songwriter Kehlani:
the reason songbird by fleetwood mac is one of my favorite songs ever is because of the glee soundtrack version. she transformed it.
Rest Easy Naya Rivera
God cover and hold her loved ones!— Kehlani (@Kehlani) July 13, 2020
Rest Easy Naya RiveraOscar-winning actress Viola Davis offered prayers and referred to how awful 2020 has been:
Prayers for Naya Rivera's family. Man….can we have a "Do Over " of 2020. The loss is too much
pic.twitter.com/63iNdRikv5
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 13, 2020
Scroll down for more tributes and memories:
Sick to my stomach. RIP #nayarivera https://t.co/OYwWQMgCoh
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 13, 2020
I'll never be able to articulate the importance of seeing Naya, a Black Puerto Rican, portraying a queer Afro-Latina on primetime TV. I'm heartbroken over all the stories that will remain untold. #RIPNayaRivera pic.twitter.com/UGq2rDwWay
— Steven Canals (@StevenCanals) July 13, 2020
I am truly heartbroken to hear of the confirmed loss of this amazingly talented woman.
I have watched her shine since she was a little girl on #TheRoyalFamily. She deserved to have a long life full of every good thing. I’m gutted that that will never be.#RIPNayaRivera
https://t.co/jgBma9JH3q
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 13, 2020