'Glee' stars pay tribute to Naya Rivera after actress officially declared dead

"Glee" actors bid farewell to their old friend and co-star Naya Rivera, who was declared dead days after she went missing in Lake Piru, California.

Kevin McHale, who played wheelchair-bound Artie, said he "legitimately can not imagine this world without you."

He remembered another painful loss they shared together exactly seven years ago: the death of their co-star Cory Monteith, who played Finn.

"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 said.

 

 

 

 

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My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you. • 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. • She was so independent and strong and the idea of her not being here is something I cannot comprehend. She was the single most quick-witted person I’ve ever met, with a steel-trap memory that could recall the most forgettable conversations from a decade ago verbatim. The amount of times she would memorize all of those crazy monologues on Glee the morning of and would never ever mess up during the scene… I mean, she was clearly more talented than the rest of us. She was the most talented person I’ve ever known. There is nothing she couldn’t do and I’m furious we won’t get to see more. • I’m thankful for all the ways in which she made me a better person. She taught me how to advocate for myself and to speak up for the things and people that were important to me, always. I’m thankful for the times I grew an ab muscle from laughing so hard at something she said. I’m thankful she became like family. I’m thankful that my dad happened to have met her weeks before I did and when I got Glee, he told me to “look out for a girl named Naya because she seemed nice.” Well dad, she was nice and she became one of my favorite people ever. • 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. I just hope more than anything that her family is given the space and time to come to terms with this. For having such tiny body, Naya had such a gigantic presence, a void that will now be felt by all of us - those of us who knew her personally and the millions of you who loved her through your TVs. I love you, Bee.

A post shared by Kevin McHale (@kevinmchale) on

Jul 13, 2020 at 4:52pm PDT

Kevin said Naya made him a "better person" and taught him to advocate for himself, amongmany  other things.

"I’m thankful for the times I grew an ab muscle from laughing so hard at something she said. I’m thankful she became like family. I’m thankful that my dad happened to have met her weeks before I did and when I got Glee, he told me to 'look out for a girl named Naya because she seemed nice.' Well dad, she was nice and she became one of my favorite people ever," he said.

Chris Colfer, who played Kurt in the musical comedy show, also penned a tribute for her on his Instagram.

 

 

 

 

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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

"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," he said.

"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," he added.

Jenna Ushkowitz, who played Tina Cohen-Chang, said she misses her already, and wrote and emotional message on Instagram.

 

 

 

 

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There are no words and yet so many things I want to say, I don't believe I'll ever be able to articulate exactly what I feel but... 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. 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. 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.

A post shared by Jenna Ushkowitz (@jennaushkowitz) on

Jul 13, 2020 at 3:40pm PDT

"I can not believe I took for granted that you'd always be here. 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," she wrote.

She added that she will make sure Naya's son Josey and the rest of her family will "feel that every day."

Series lead Lea Michele, who played Rachel, quietly honored Naya by posting a black and white portrait of her in her Instagram stories.

She also shared a photo of Cory, as it is also the anniversary of his death. He passed away in July 13, 2013 .

Jane Lynch, who played Coach Sue, also had a message for Naya on Twitter.

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

— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) July 13, 2020

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

Demi Lovato, who guested on "Glee" as Santana's girlfriend said Naya's character was "groundbreaking" for the queer community, including her.

"I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee. The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted (at the time) queer girls like me, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world. My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time," the singer wrote.

Naya, 33, was presumed drowned after going missing on Wednesday. She had rented a boat on Lake Piru with her four-year-old son, Josey, who was found unharmed.

Her body was recovered early on Monday near the surface of the water in an area where the boat had gone missing that was 35 to 60 feet deep (11-18 meters) and with heavy brush and trees underwater, authorities said.

Naya was on the cast of "Glee" as Santana Lopez from 2009 to 2015.

—JCB, GMA News