Naya Rivera landed her first major acting role at the age of four on the short-lived Black sitcom The Royal Family. In an Arsenio Hall interview for the show, Hall asks young Naya if she would like to do some modeling and without missing a beat she replies “I did that.” (Because of course she already has. Duh!) The audience laughs and cheers and it’s clear this young girl is something special.
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And something special she was. I wasn’t even born yet when Naya began her acting career, but I can distinctly remember watching reruns of Family Matters where she played 7-year-old Gwendolyn. She’d walk in, her long, curly hair usually tied half up in a big scrunchie and blow a kiss or give a wink, delivering her lines with an undeniable magnetism and charm that was impossible to forget. A scene-stealer from the very beginning, and this would follow her years later to her break-out role: Santana Lopez.
Santana started Glee as a recurring character, meant simply to be the meaner, bitchier Latina sidekick to head cheerleader Quinn Fabray (Dianna Agron). But, once again, she stole every scene she was in. Her star was simply too bright to relegate to the side and she was soon promoted to series regular.
Santana became a fan favorite cultural icon, but let’s be clear: Naya made this so. Her comedic timing and ability to deliver a long biting monologue tinged with insults, to be scary as the mean girl yet vulnerable and heartbreaking as a closeted lesbian in love with a girl (Heather Morris) who she’s scared doesn’t love her back was unmatched. And her voice, God her voice. Powerful, raspy, entirely unique, Naya was responsible for some of Glee’s best, most beloved, and memorable musical numbers (hello, “Valerie”!).
With Santana, young queer girls (especially those of color) saw themselves, their fears, their vulnerabilities on screen, many for the first time. And Naya championed this visibility. Back in 2010 during my Glee obsessed days, I’d watch hours of cast interviews and was always in awe of how Naya spoke about her character—so much love, passion, and appreciation for the young queer fans who sent her letters saying how much she meant to them. She backed Santana and Brittany’s (best known as “Brittana”) relationship from the beginning, always saying she wanted Santana to end up with her. She knew the power of showcasing a young lesbian of color on network television, and it would not have been successful without the respect, care, and love she brought to the role. Through this, without exaggeration, she saved lives.
Exactly one year ago, on Monday, July 13th, Naya’s body was recovered from Lake Piru. The world lost a great talent, a force, a mother, a daughter, a friend, a life.
As fans, we mourn the loss of a life we never actually knew, but one that has touched ours in so many ways. One we connected with, in whatever form that takes. It’s different and personal for everyone, but forever true.
As fans, our hearts remain with her family, with her friends, with her sweet boy Josey and all those who were so fortunate enough to know her in this lifetime. And as fans, we honor and celebrate her life as best as we can.
Rest easy Naya, you were loved by so many, so many you never even knew. Here’s a few fans’ small tribute to you
SOURCE: georgetownvoice.
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