‘Glee’ Cast Will Pay Tribute to Naya Rivera at GLAAD Media Awards
Members of the former Fox television series Glee will reunite on April 8 to pay tribute to their former co-star, the late Naya Rivera, during a special segment for the virtual 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards. Rivera’s Glee co-star, Demi Lovato, will introduce the tribute. This will mark the first time the cast has publicly reunited since Rivera’s death on July 8, 2020.
Glee cast members attending the GLAAD Media Awards include Jacob Artist, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Vanessa Lengies, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Amber Riley, Harry Shum Jr., Becca Tobin, and Jenna Ushkowitz.
the glee cast reunited for a tribute to naya, i’m already crying just at the thought
— sav (@s0methingsweet) March 24, 2021
Meanwhile, the reunion marks the 10 year anniversary of Rivera’s Glee alter-ego, Santana Lopez’s coming-out storyline. Rivera’s character left a legacy of acceptance and representation as the character faced backlash as a lesbian Latinx teen. Rivera’s performance appealed to young audiences. Both Santana Lopez and viewers struggled to balance sexual identity with familial beliefs and values.
Moreover, Rivera previously hosted the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards, alongside her Glee co-star, the late Cory Monteith, back in 2012.
This is to honour @nayarivera and the impact she had, not only as her character Santana but as the amazing talented person/mother she truly was! This is for you Naya & you only! #nayarivera #neverforgetnayarivera #nayaisloved #nayamatters #GLAADAWARDS #naya pic.twitter.com/F5ddE0xtkw
— Dem | Naya Forever ミ☆ (@Demi1991xxx) March 24, 2021
Glee ran for six seasons, starting in 2009 and ending in 2015. Rivera made her debut as a reoccurring character in pilot episodes. She was later promoted to regular status for seasons two through five. After her passing, some of her cast members, including Morris, reunited privately at the lake to say a prayer for Rivera.
Niecy Nash will host the GLAAD Media Awards, airing on GLAAD’s YouTube channel on April 8. Additionally, viewers can choose to stream the awards show later that night on Hulu.
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