Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan have announced that they are starting a college fund for Naya Rivera ‘s son following her tragic death.
The late actress, who played Santana Lopez in the Fox musical drama from 2009 to 2015, was declared dead aged 33 on Monday after going missing last Wednesday while boating with her son Josey Hollis Dorsey, four.
In an emotional tribute to the star, the creators of Glee shared how “heartbroken” they over the loss of their “friend” Naya that they “lucked into finding”.
They penned: “Naya wasn’t a series regular when we cast her on Glee. She didn’t have more than a few lines in the pilot but it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realise that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.”
The trip went on to praise Naya for being someone who could act, dance, since and “nail a joke as well as she could crush you with an emotional scene.”
Naya Rivera was declared dead on Monday after going missing last Wednesday while boating with her son Josey Hollis Dorsey (Image: Getty)
“She could move between being scary tough and deeply vulnerable with ease. She was a joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around,” they said.
They also commended Naya for being responsible for “numerous iconic Glee musical performances,” such as her Adele mashup and they cited the actress’ “greatest Glee legacy” as “the humour and humanity that she brought to Santana’s relationship with her best friend and eventual girlfriend/wife Brittany (Heather Morris).”
“It was one of the first times an openly lesbian, high school relationship was seen on network television and Naya understood what ‘Brittana’ meant to the many young women who were seeing themselves represented on television for the first time,” they reflected.
“Naya always made sure that Santana’s love for Brittany was expressed with dignity, strength and with pure intentions.
Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan have announced that they are starting a college fund for little Josey following her tragic death (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“She was always moved by the girls who reached out to her to tell her how much Santana and Brittany’s love affected them.
“Naya’s obligation to them — and to all of her fans — was obvious. She had the rare combination of humility and endless confidence in her talent.”
The entertainment execs described the actress as “a real pro” who was “always on time, always knew her lines (which wasn’t easy considering the giant mouthfuls of dialogue we often gave her)” and “always kept everyone laughing on the set.
“She was warm and caring and fiercely protective of the rest of the cast, they added.
Naya starred as Santana Lopez in the Fox musical drama from 2009 to 2015 (Image: 21ST CENTURY FOX)
“She was tough and demanding. She was fun. She was kind. She was generous.”
The tribute continued: “Naya was more than just an actor on our show- she was our friend.
“Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom, Yolanda, who was a big part of the Glee family and her son Josey.”
Ryan, Brad and Ian plan to honour Naya by “creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”
Naya was confirmed dead on Monday after a recovery mission discovered her body in Lake Piru in California days after she was reported missing.
The star’s body was found on the seven-year anniversary of the death of Glee star Cory Monteith, who died July 13, 2013, from a drug overdose.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
