NAYA RIVERA

Community Test Naya Marie Rivera was born on January 12, 1987 to George and Yolanda Rivera. She is of Puerto Rico, African-American, and German descent. Naya lived in Los Angeles for most of her life, though she was raised in the Valencia neighbourhood of Santa Clarita, California. Her mother moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in modelling and her talent agent also represented Naya, who was 8 or 9 months at the time.

Community Test Naya started her career appearing in national television commercials before starring as Hillary Winston on CBS’s “The Royal Family” at age four. She was nominated for a “Young Artist Award” for this role. A Los Angeles native, she made guest appearances on shows such as “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters,” and “The Bernie Mac Show.”

Community Test She rose to fame playing the character of Santana Lopez on the hit TV series Glee. Naya appeared as one of the main characters in the majority of the show’s six-season run. She went on to win several critically acclaimed awards for her role.

Community Test As part of the “Glee” ensemble cast, Naya was nominated for a Grammy in 2011 for their rendition of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Community Test Naya was one of the first “Glee” actors to sign as a solo artist with a record label. She signed a contract with Columbia Records in 2011.

Community Test Naya dated recording artist Big Sean for in April 2013. They got engaged, but eventually called off their wedding and broke up within a year. She later dated actor Ryan Dorsey and they got married in July 19, 2014 in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico but eventually divorced in 2018.

Community Test In 2016, Naya published her memoir “Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up!”

Community Test Naya has been featured on the cover of Latina Magazine, Cosmo for Latinas, and was selected by People en Español for their “50 Most Beautiful” list.

Community Test Naya pictured with her first child Josey Hollis on September 2015. She is a doting mother to Josey and dedicated her life to giving him a childhood filled with love. “First and foremost, everything I do is for Josey. [He] inspires me in so many ways that it felt natural to want to create this for him and I. Starting this company from the ground up is something I’m really, really proud of. I know that my son is proud of it too.” Mini Magazine. Read more here - https://bit.ly/3iO2O0L

Community Test Naya also had a recurring role in the YouTube Premium Show “Step Up: Highwater.”

Community Test “Be kind to people, do the best that you can do and don’t compromise yourself for anyone else and you’ll end up being the best person, trust me.” -- Naya Rivera Naya dedicated her time to various charitable organizations including GLAAD, Stand Up to Cancer, The Sunshine Foundation, The Elephant Project, and the Trevor Project.

Community Test Naya Rivera tragically died at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. She was swimming with her 4-year old son at the time.