Around GMA

Article Inside Page

The cast of the hit television show Glee reunited during the virtual ceremony of the 32nd GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) Media Awards to pay a special tribute to the legacy made by the late Naya Rivera and her character, Santana Lopez.

The tribute, made on April 9, honors the 10th anniversary of Santana's coming out in the series and spotlights the character's impact on the LGBTQ community and the Latinx LGBTQ representation on television.

The award was introduced by singer Demi Lovato, who played Santana's girlfriend in the series, alongside cast members Jacob Artist, Chris Colfer, Darren Chris, Jessalyn Gilsig, Dot-Marie Jones, Vanessa Lengies, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Lauren Potter, Amber Riley, Harry Shum Jr., Becca Tobin, and Jenna Ushkowitz.

Demi said, “I will always cherish the chance I got to play Naya's girlfriend, Dani, on Glee.

“The character Naya and I played was groundbreaking for closeted queer girls like I was at the time. And her ambition and accomplishments inspired Latino women all over the world. That's the power of the show like 'Glee.'”

Jane Lynch added, “I remember when Naya became a regular cast of 'Glee.' She was a dancer and I always thought she was cute, and she was a great dancer. This girl is really something.”

Matthew Morrison mentioned, “Naya and I were good friends on the show, but I think we both became good friends when we both had children. I think it was great to see her put all of her energy to her son and it was an incredible sight to see, and it's something I'll always remember.”

The short tribute ended with a message from Naya's mother, Yolanda Previtire.

She said, “Her desire was to always be an advocate to those who didn't have a voice.

“I don't believe that she realized how important she was to this world. I am grateful that my eldest daughter helped to change the landscape of how we view and see each other.

“Thank you GLAAD for keeping my daughter's legacy alive.”

Watch the tribute below:

On July 8, 2020, Naya was declared a missing person when her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in the boar she rented at Lake Piru.

Though rescue efforts were made during her disappearance, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office presumed she was dead the following day.

On July 13, it was announced that a body had been found by divers in Lake Piru and was confirmed to be Naya's at a press conference held later that day.

According to reports, the Hollywood actress may have found herself caught in a rip current and struggled to get back to her boat, saying she likely “mustered enough energy to save her son, but not enough to save herself.”

Take a look at her life and the impact she made in television in this gallery: