Naya Rivera
Encyclopedia
Naya Marie Rivera is an American actress and singer known for her role in the musical comedy television series Glee
, as cheerleader Santana Lopez
.
for most of her life. Rivera is of half Puerto Rican
, quarter African, and quarter German
descent. At eight or nine months old, she began to be represented by the same talent agent
as her mother, who had moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling.
, but her first significant acting job was at the age of four when she starred as Hillary Winston in the Eddie Murphy
produced sitcom The Royal Family
in 1991. The show received positive reviews and high ratings initially, but when star Redd Foxx suffered a sudden heart attack on set the show never recovered and was soon canceled. Nonetheless, Rivera received a Young Artist Award nomination for her performance.
Between 1992 and 2002, she had small roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
, Family Matters, Live Shot, Baywatch
, Smart Guy
, The Jersey
, House Blend
, Even Stevens
and The Master of Disguise
. In 2002 she also appeared in the music video for B2K
's "Why I Love You". She was hired for a single-episode guest appearance on The Bernie Mac Show
in 2002, but was brought back to work on a further five episodes. She was later featured in single episodes of 8 Simple Rules
and CSI: Miami
. In between auditions and roles, Rivera worked odd jobs as a telemarketer, a nanny, and a greeter at an Abercrombie & Fitch store.
In 2006 and 2007 Rivera took part in a production of Mark E. Swinton's award-winning play "U Don't Know Me: The Musical", both in Los Angeles and when the production was taken on national tour.
In 2010, Rivera made the Maxim Hot 100 list, coming in at number 61. The following year, she was ranked number 43. On the 2011 AfterEllen Hot 100 list she was ranked #1.
In May of 2011, it was announced that Rivera had signed a deal with Columbia Records
to produce a solo album. Also in May, Rivera hosted the San Francisco GLAAD Media Awards.
's musical comedy series Glee
, about a high school glee club
. Rivera's character comes off as a cold-hearted and vicious cheerleader, who often shows her softer side to fellow cheerleader Brittany (played by Heather Morris). Rivera auditioned for the opportunity "to sing, dance and act all in the same show," and because she was a fan of co-creator Ryan Murphy's previous work on Nip/Tuck
.
Rivera drew on her own high school experience of unpopularity to prepare for the role, as well as watching films such as Mean Girls
to "really get in the zone and feel like a bitchy Sophomore". She has described Santana as "your typical high school cheerleader, for the most part," explaining: "She's really mean and loves boys. She's really witty so I love playing her." She has characterized Santana as "a bit of a bad girl" who is "really snarky and always has these really witty one-liners she throws out there." Rivera enjoys the fact Santana is competitive and headstrong as she herself shares those traits, but dislikes Santana's mean streak. She finds the show's pacing challenging, especially the dancing, and commented in June 2009 that her most memorable moment on Glee was performing the Cheerios' glee club audition piece, "I Say a Little Prayer
". Santana played a more prominent part in the last nine episodes of Glee first season. Rivera commented: "Santana's been wreaking havoc with people's boyfriends and people's babies and teachers—she's the high school terror, and she's going to continue to be the villain."
After having her screen time and musical involvement increased throughout Season 1, Rivera was promoted to official series regular status for season two due to positive fan response. She was given her first solo in the fifth episode of season two, The Rocky Horror Glee Show
, and performed several others as the season progressed. During Season 2 Rivera's role in the show was radically changed when it was revealed that her character was a lesbian. Rivera portrayed Santana struggling to come to terms with her sexuality, with her love for her best friend, and with her inability to come out of the closet. She received favorable reviews for her performance.
In January 2011 Rivera appeared in a parody of Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang, called "Nuthin' But a Glee Thang", co-written by her friend Heather Morris.
During the 2011 Glee Tour, Rivera teamed up with Amber Riley
for the duet "River Deep, Mountain High" and performed solo on "Valerie" as well as lending back-up vocals to several other songs.
In July of 2011, Rivera was nominated for two ALMA
awards, in the categories of "Favorite Female Music Artist" and "Favorite TV Actress - Leading Role in a Comedy".
at the age of 15. According to Rivera, "My passion for music is one of my greatest loves." Rivera has stated that if she could not act or sing she would work as a writer. She has completed several screenplays and television scripts. As on Glee, Rivera is best friends in real life with co-star Heather Morris.
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
, as cheerleader Santana Lopez
Santana Lopez
Santana Lopez is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Naya Rivera, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Santana was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan...
.
Early life
Rivera was raised in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California and has lived in or around Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
for most of her life. Rivera is of half Puerto Rican
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, quarter African, and quarter German
Germans
The Germans are a Germanic ethnic group native to Central Europe. The English term Germans has referred to the German-speaking population of the Holy Roman Empire since the Late Middle Ages....
descent. At eight or nine months old, she began to be represented by the same talent agent
Talent agent
A talent agent, or booking agent, is a person who finds jobs for actors, authors, film directors, musicians, models, producers, professional athletes, writers and other people in various entertainment businesses. Having an agent is not required, but does help the artist in getting jobs...
as her mother, who had moved to Los Angeles to pursue modeling.
Career
As a baby, Rivera appeared in commercials for KmartKmart
Kmart, sometimes styled as "K-Mart," is a chain of discount department stores. The chain acquired Sears in 2005, forming a new corporation under the name Sears Holdings Corporation. The company was founded in 1962 and is the third largest discount store chain in the world, behind Wal-Mart and...
, but her first significant acting job was at the age of four when she starred as Hillary Winston in the Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy
Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, singer, director, and musician....
produced sitcom The Royal Family
The Royal Family (TV series)
The Royal Family is an American sitcom starring Redd Foxx and Della Reese. The series was created and produced by Eddie Murphy , who had previously worked with Redd Foxx and Della Reese in the 1989 film Harlem Nights. It ran for one season on CBS from 1991-1992...
in 1991. The show received positive reviews and high ratings initially, but when star Redd Foxx suffered a sudden heart attack on set the show never recovered and was soon canceled. Nonetheless, Rivera received a Young Artist Award nomination for her performance.
Between 1992 and 2002, she had small roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The show stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to move in with his aunt and uncle in their...
, Family Matters, Live Shot, Baywatch
Baywatch
Baywatch is an American action drama series about the Los Angeles County Lifeguards who patrol the beaches of Los Angeles County, California, starring David Hasselhoff. The show ran in its original title and format from 1989 to 1999, sans the 1990-1991 season, of which it was not in production...
, Smart Guy
Smart Guy
Smart Guy is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis. The series ran on The WB for three seasons from April 2, 1997 to May 16, 1999.-Premise:The show centers on the misadventures of boy genius T.J...
, The Jersey
The Jersey
The Jersey is a television series produced by the Disney Channel and based on the Monday Night Football Club books by Gordon Korman.-Premise:...
, House Blend
House Blend
House Blend was a pilot for an American Television Series written by Anne Flett-Giordano and Chuck Ranberg and directed by John Whitesell. It was made by Paramount Network Television. The pilot first aired on May 1, 2002.-Cast:...
, Even Stevens
Even Stevens
Even Stevens is an American comedy television series that aired on Disney Channel with a total of three seasons and 65 episodes from June 17, 2000, to June 2, 2003...
and The Master of Disguise
The Master of Disguise
The Master of Disguise is a family fantasy comedy film released in 2002 starring actors Dana Carvey, Jennifer Esposito, James Brolin and Brent Spiner...
. In 2002 she also appeared in the music video for B2K
B2K
B2K was an American R&B music group. The group met in 1998, established in 2001, and managed by music producer Chris Stokes with Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, Raz-B, and Omarion as members. The group disbanded in 2004 due to internal disagreements.-2001-2002: B2K:...
's "Why I Love You". She was hired for a single-episode guest appearance on The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show
The Bernie Mac Show is an American sitcom featuring comic actor Bernie Mac and his wife Wanda raising his sister's three kids: Jordan, Bryana and Vanessa. The show aired for five seasons , concluding with a half-hour series finale on Fox....
in 2002, but was brought back to work on a further five episodes. She was later featured in single episodes of 8 Simple Rules
8 Simple Rules
8 Simple Rules is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from September 17, 2002, to April 15, 2005, with 76 episodes produced over three seasons. It is based on the self-improvement book of the same name. The show starred John Ritter until his death on September 11, 2003...
and CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami
CSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation....
. In between auditions and roles, Rivera worked odd jobs as a telemarketer, a nanny, and a greeter at an Abercrombie & Fitch store.
In 2006 and 2007 Rivera took part in a production of Mark E. Swinton's award-winning play "U Don't Know Me: The Musical", both in Los Angeles and when the production was taken on national tour.
In 2010, Rivera made the Maxim Hot 100 list, coming in at number 61. The following year, she was ranked number 43. On the 2011 AfterEllen Hot 100 list she was ranked #1.
In May of 2011, it was announced that Rivera had signed a deal with Columbia Records
Columbia Records
Columbia Records is an American record label, owned by Japan's Sony Music Entertainment, operating under the Columbia Music Group with Aware Records. It was founded in 1888, evolving from an earlier enterprise, the American Graphophone Company — successor to the Volta Graphophone Company...
to produce a solo album. Also in May, Rivera hosted the San Francisco GLAAD Media Awards.
Glee
In 2009, Rivera was cast as Cheerios cheerleading squad member Santana Lopez on FoxFox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
's musical comedy series Glee
Glee (TV series)
Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues...
, about a high school glee club
Glee club
A glee club is a musical group or choir group, historically of male voices but also of female or mixed voices, which traditionally specializes in the singing of short songs—glees—by trios or quartets. In the late 19th Century it was very popular in most schools and was made a tradition...
. Rivera's character comes off as a cold-hearted and vicious cheerleader, who often shows her softer side to fellow cheerleader Brittany (played by Heather Morris). Rivera auditioned for the opportunity "to sing, dance and act all in the same show," and because she was a fan of co-creator Ryan Murphy's previous work on Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck
Nip/Tuck is an American drama series created by Ryan Murphy, which aired on FX in the United States. The series focuses on McNamara/Troy, a plastic surgery practice, and follows its founders, Sean McNamara and Christian Troy...
.
Rivera drew on her own high school experience of unpopularity to prepare for the role, as well as watching films such as Mean Girls
Mean Girls
Mean Girls is a 2004 American teen comedy-drama film directed by Mark Waters. The screenplay was written by Tina Fey and is based in part on the non-fiction book Queen Bees and Wannabes by Rosalind Wiseman, which describes how female high school social cliques operate and the effect they can have...
to "really get in the zone and feel like a bitchy Sophomore". She has described Santana as "your typical high school cheerleader, for the most part," explaining: "She's really mean and loves boys. She's really witty so I love playing her." She has characterized Santana as "a bit of a bad girl" who is "really snarky and always has these really witty one-liners she throws out there." Rivera enjoys the fact Santana is competitive and headstrong as she herself shares those traits, but dislikes Santana's mean streak. She finds the show's pacing challenging, especially the dancing, and commented in June 2009 that her most memorable moment on Glee was performing the Cheerios' glee club audition piece, "I Say a Little Prayer
I Say a Little Prayer
"I Say a Little Prayer" is a song written by songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David for Dionne Warwick, originally peaking at number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in December 1967.-Background:...
". Santana played a more prominent part in the last nine episodes of Glee first season. Rivera commented: "Santana's been wreaking havoc with people's boyfriends and people's babies and teachers—she's the high school terror, and she's going to continue to be the villain."
After having her screen time and musical involvement increased throughout Season 1, Rivera was promoted to official series regular status for season two due to positive fan response. She was given her first solo in the fifth episode of season two, The Rocky Horror Glee Show
The Rocky Horror Glee Show
"The Rocky Horror Glee Show" is the fifth episode of the second season of the American television series Glee, and the 27th episode overall. It was written by Ryan Murphy, from a story by Murphy and Tim Wollaston, directed by Adam Shankman, and premiered on Fox on October 26, 2010...
, and performed several others as the season progressed. During Season 2 Rivera's role in the show was radically changed when it was revealed that her character was a lesbian. Rivera portrayed Santana struggling to come to terms with her sexuality, with her love for her best friend, and with her inability to come out of the closet. She received favorable reviews for her performance.
In January 2011 Rivera appeared in a parody of Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang, called "Nuthin' But a Glee Thang", co-written by her friend Heather Morris.
During the 2011 Glee Tour, Rivera teamed up with Amber Riley
Amber Riley
Amber Patrice Riley is an American actress and singer best known for her role on the series Glee as Mercedes Jones.-Early life and career:...
for the duet "River Deep, Mountain High" and performed solo on "Valerie" as well as lending back-up vocals to several other songs.
In July of 2011, Rivera was nominated for two ALMA
ALMA
ALMA can refer to* ALMA Award, a distinction awarded to Latino performers who promote positive portrayals of Latinos in the entertainment field.* ALMA Magazine, a Spanish-language lifestyle magazine....
awards, in the categories of "Favorite Female Music Artist" and "Favorite TV Actress - Leading Role in a Comedy".
Personal life
Rivera is an avid reader and dedicates her time to various charitable organizations. She took up songwritingSongwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
at the age of 15. According to Rivera, "My passion for music is one of my greatest loves." Rivera has stated that if she could not act or sing she would work as a writer. She has completed several screenplays and television scripts. As on Glee, Rivera is best friends in real life with co-star Heather Morris.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | The Master of Disguise The Master of Disguise The Master of Disguise is a family fantasy comedy film released in 2002 starring actors Dana Carvey, Jennifer Esposito, James Brolin and Brent Spiner... |
Captain America Captain America Captain America is a fictional character, a superhero that appears in comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character first appeared in Captain America Comics #1 , from Marvel Comics' 1940s predecessor, Timely Comics, and was created by Joe Simon and Jack Kirby... Kid |
Deleted Scene |
| 2009 | Frankenhood | Hottie | Credited as Naya Maria Rivera (Maria was a typo) |
| 2011 | Glee Live! | Santana Lopez/Herself | 3D Concert Film |
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1991–1992 | The Royal Family The Royal Family (TV series) The Royal Family is an American sitcom starring Redd Foxx and Della Reese. The series was created and produced by Eddie Murphy , who had previously worked with Redd Foxx and Della Reese in the 1989 film Harlem Nights. It ran for one season on CBS from 1991-1992... |
Hillary Winston | Regular role |
| 1992–1993 | Family Matters | Gwendolyn | Episodes: "Just One Date", "Heart Strings", "Mama's Wedding" |
| 1993 | The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is an American television sitcom that originally aired on NBC from September 10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The show stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who is sent to move in with his aunt and uncle in their... |
Cindy | Episode: "Bundle of Joy" |
| 1993 | The Sinbad Show The Sinbad Show The Sinbad Show is an American sitcom starring comedian Sinbad that premiered on September 16, 1993 on Fox. The show's main plot is about a bachelor taking in two orphaned children. Chuck Brown performed this sitcom's theme music... |
Party Guest | Episode: "It's My Party, I'll Cry If I Want To" |
| 1995 | Live Shot | Ann | Episode: "Another Day, Another Story" |
| 1996 | Baywatch Baywatch Baywatch is an American action drama series about the Los Angeles County Lifeguards who patrol the beaches of Los Angeles County, California, starring David Hasselhoff. The show ran in its original title and format from 1989 to 1999, sans the 1990-1991 season, of which it was not in production... |
Willa | Episode: "Scorcher" |
| 1997–1999 | Smart Guy Smart Guy Smart Guy is an American sitcom created by Danny Kallis. The series ran on The WB for three seasons from April 2, 1997 to May 16, 1999.-Premise:The show centers on the misadventures of boy genius T.J... |
Kelly Tanya |
Episodes: "Baby, It's You and You and You", "Never Too Young" |
| 1999 | The Jersey The Jersey The Jersey is a television series produced by the Disney Channel and based on the Monday Night Football Club books by Gordon Korman.-Premise:... |
Girl #2 | Episode: "Be True to You" |
| 2002 | House Blend House Blend House Blend was a pilot for an American Television Series written by Anne Flett-Giordano and Chuck Ranberg and directed by John Whitesell. It was made by Paramount Network Television. The pilot first aired on May 1, 2002.-Cast:... |
Chloe | Television pilot Television pilot A "television pilot" is a standalone episode of a television series that is used to sell the show to a television network. At the time of its inception, the pilot is meant to be the "testing ground" to see if a series will be possibly desired and successful and therefore a test episode of an... |
| 2002 | Even Stevens Even Stevens Even Stevens is an American comedy television series that aired on Disney Channel with a total of three seasons and 65 episodes from June 17, 2000, to June 2, 2003... |
Charlene | Episode: "Short Story" |
| 2002–2004 | Pajama Rama | Herself | Host |
| 2002–2006 | The Bernie Mac Show The Bernie Mac Show The Bernie Mac Show is an American sitcom featuring comic actor Bernie Mac and his wife Wanda raising his sister's three kids: Jordan, Bryana and Vanessa. The show aired for five seasons , concluding with a half-hour series finale on Fox.... |
Donna | Recurring role |
| 2003 | Soul Food Soul food Soul food cuisine consists of a selection of foods traditional in the cuisine of African Americans. It is closely related to the cuisine of the Southern United States... |
Lauryn | Episode: "Truth's Consequences", "Nobody's Child" |
| 2004 | 8 Simple Rules 8 Simple Rules 8 Simple Rules is an American sitcom that originally aired on ABC from September 17, 2002, to April 15, 2005, with 76 episodes produced over three seasons. It is based on the self-improvement book of the same name. The show starred John Ritter until his death on September 11, 2003... |
Nice Girl | Episode: "Halloween" |
| 2008 | Girlfriends Girlfriends Girlfriends is an American comedy-drama sitcom that premiered on September 11, 2000, on UPN and aired on UPN's successor network, The CW, before being cancelled in 2008... |
"Young Lady" | Episode: "Stand and Deliver" |
| 2008 | CSI: Miami CSI: Miami CSI: Miami is an American police procedural television series, which premiered on September 23, 2002 on CBS. The series is a spin-off of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.... |
Rachel Calvado | Episode: "Power Trip" |
| 2009–present | Glee Glee (TV series) Glee is an American musical comedy-drama television series that airs on Fox in the United States, and on GlobalTV in Canada. It focuses on the high school glee club New Directions competing on the show choir competition circuit, while its members deal with relationships, sexuality and social issues... |
Santana Lopez Santana Lopez Santana Lopez is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actress Naya Rivera, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Santana was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan... |
Season 1: recurring cast member Season 2: regular cast member Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (shared with Glee cast) Nominated – Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: Group 2010 Teen Choice Awards 2010 Teen Choice Awards were held on August 8, introducing a lot of new categories now separated into "Movie", "TV", "Music", "Summer", "Fashion" and "Other". The show aired on August 9, 2010 on Fox, co-hosted by Katy Perry, who also performed, and Cory Monteith, Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, and... (shared with Glee cast) |
Music Videos
| Year | Artist | Song Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | B2K B2K B2K was an American R&B music group. The group met in 1998, established in 2001, and managed by music producer Chris Stokes with Lil' Fizz, J-Boog, Raz-B, and Omarion as members. The group disbanded in 2004 due to internal disagreements.-2001-2002: B2K:... |
Why I Loved You |
Stage Work
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2006–2007 | U Don't Know Me | Keila |
Awards and Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Young Artist Awards | Exceptional Performance by a Young Actress Under Ten | |
| 2010 | Imagen Awards | Best Supporting Actress - Television | |
| 2011 | ALMA Awards | Favorite TV Actress - Leading Role in a Comedy | |
| 2011 | ALMA Awards | Favorite Female Music Artist |
See also
- List of notable Puerto Ricans