Is Naya Rivera Living or Dead?

About Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera was a force to be reckoned with. Born in Santa Clarita, California on January 12, 1987, she began her career at a young age, appearing in commercials and television shows before landing her breakout role as Santana Lopez on the hit musical series Glee.

Rivera's portrayal of Santana, a fierce and complex character who struggled with her sexuality and identity, earned her critical acclaim and a legion of fans. Her powerful vocals and electrifying performances on songs like "Valerie" and "Smooth Criminal" cemented her status as one of the show's standout stars.

But Rivera was more than just a talented actress and singer. She was also a trailblazer, using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness. In 2011, she was honored by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for her work on Glee, and in 2016, she released a memoir titled Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up.

Tragically, Rivera's life was cut short when she drowned in Lake Piru, California on July 8, 2020, while boating with her young son. She was just 33 years old.

In the wake of her death, Rivera's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking work on Glee and her advocacy for marginalized communities. As her former co-star Chris Colfer wrote in a tribute to her, "She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun. Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face."

Rivera may be gone, but her impact on the entertainment industry and beyond will never be forgotten. As Rolling Stone wrote in their obituary for her, "She was a force of nature, a true talent, and a bright light in the world."