Hollywood is mourning the loss of Glee star Naya Rivera, whose body was found on the morning of Monday, July 13 after going missing in Lake Piru last week. The young actress was first reported missing after her 4-year-old son was discovered alone on a boat on the evening of Wednesday, July 8.
Rivera is the third Glee cast member to die under tragic circumstances. Cory Monteith, who played Finn, died of a drug overdose back in 2013, and Mark Salling, who played Puck, committed suicide in 2018. Some of Rivera’s former Glee cast members posted on Twitter and Instagram when the actress first went missing, hoping for her safe return. Now, many have made mournful posts about her unexpected passing.
Chris Colfer wrote an incredibly touching note on Instagram accompanying a picture of himself and Rivera, saying, “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.”
Jenna Ushkowitz also shared on Instagram, “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… 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.”
Jane Lynch, Josh Sussman, Becca Tobin, and more also posted touching tributes to their friend and former castmate on social media.
Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) July 13, 2020
💔 Naya, you will be missed so much. 😞
— Josh Sussman (@JoshSussman) July 13, 2020
Now more than ever we must lift her family and friends up especially Josey! My heart is sent to them… Josey you are truly loved by every single person who loves your mommy! I love you Naya!
— Alex Newell (@thealexnewell) July 13, 2020
💔😭😭💔😭💔😭💔😭💔😭
— Max Adler (@Mr_Max_Adler) July 13, 2020
So much grief today. Grateful for our love and connection. Holding everyone tight. Family for lifetimes.
— Vanessa Lengies (@littlelengies) July 13, 2020
💔
— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) July 13, 2020
Just unbelievable. Grateful to have known you and worked with you and your talent. RIP Naya. ❤️
— Damian Mc Ginty (@damianmcginty) July 13, 2020
Naya brought so much joy to our lives. She had the sharpest wit, the slyest smile, a compassion for people from all walks of life, and a talent that knew no bounds. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, co-workers, and fans around the world. We love you so much, Naya.
— Michael Hitchcock (@hitchmichael) July 13, 2020
Other cast members tweeted earlier in the week, before Rivera’s body was found, speaking out against expectations of “performative” grief. “Show some respect. All our energy is going toward helping find Naya and praying for her safe return and for her family,” Amber Riley wrote. “No one owes anyone online a performance of grief. This is very real and devastating. Focus on Naya and her family. Not us. We don’t matter right now.”
“I cannot begin to understand what Naya’s family must be feeling. I know the rest of us are completely shattered, but not without hope. Please respect her family & their privacy in this moment. Please refrain from judging those who don’t show their pain on social media,” Kevin McHale added.
I cannot begin to understand what Naya’s family must be feeling. I know the rest of us are completely shattered, but not without hope. Please respect her family & their privacy in this moment. Please refrain from judging those who don’t show their pain on social media. ♥️ https://t.co/DXsUj3qdCh
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) July 12, 2020
Other celebs have reacted to the tragic news of Rivera’s passing, including Lili Reinhart, Mandy Moore, Steven Canals, and more.
It feels strange to cry and mourn the loss of someone you never knew. But I grew up watching Glee- and Naya Rivera was such a beautiful talent. My heart breaks for her son.
Hold on tight to your people right now, if you’re lucky enough to be near them 💔— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) July 13, 2020
This is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and holding space for her son and loved ones. https://t.co/7RkKnj4xU7
— Mandy Moore (@TheMandyMoore) July 13, 2020
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Naya Rivera.
The talent and depth Naya brought to her characters inspired millions. As a Latina, it‘s rare to have rich, complex characters reflect us in media. Naya worked hard to give that gift to so many.
Que descanse en paz.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) 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
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 In Peace and power, Naya. 😔💔
— Janel Parrish Long (@JanelParrish) July 13, 2020
This is an absolute nightmare. I had the pleasure of having dinner with her once after a recording session we did together and she was an absolute sweetheart. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven. Rest In Peace Naya Rivera
— Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) July 13, 2020
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 13, 2020
Source : TVGuide
