‘Glee’ Cast Reacts to Naya Rivera’s Tragic Death

Credit: Carin Baer/FOX

'Glee' Cast Reacts to Naya Rivera's Tragic Death

Paying tribute. The cast of Glee took to social media on Monday, July 13, following the news that Naya Rivera, who starred on all six seasons of the Fox series, died. On Monday, authorities announced that her body was uncovered at Lake Piru, the spot she was reported missing from on Wednesday, July 8. She was 33. Rivera's 4-year-old son Josey, whom she shares with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, was found alone on a boat that the pair had rented for the day. Josey told authorities that he was swimming with his mother and he made it back on the boat, but she did not. He was wearing a life vest when he was found and an adult-sized vest was found on the boat, along with Rivera's ID and wallet. [jwplayer 9PTqjwLZ] Robert Inglis of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Team told Us Weekly in an exclusive interview that he was "confident" that they would find Rivera's body after she went missing, as divers, helicopters, drone aircraft and cadaver dogs searched for her. “As you get more north in the lake, there are steep hills and it’s covered with brush with bigger rocks,” he explained. “It would be very difficult to maneuver through that especially if you’re just wearing maybe a bathing suit. ... What I suspect is that the winds kicked up. Those pontoon boats are very light, and when you push them, it can get away from you. She might’ve tried to swim after the boat. But that’s all speculation. Once we do locate her, that’ll answer a lot more questions." After the Step Up star was reported missing, many of her former costars took to social media to share their prayers. Heather Morris, who played Rivera's love interest Brittany on Glee, also volunteered to help in the search. "I have spoken to Sheriff Eric Buschow and rest assured they are using every single one of their resources to locate our Naya. I have full confidence that they’re doing everything they can, and probably more. We will hold off on the citizen search and rescue until we get the go," she tweeted on July 12. "Ahead that they’ll allow volunteers. Understand it’s 110 degrees here and if you’re not highly trained in search and rescue, this could end up a much more dangerous situation for everybody involved. Please be kind, compassionate and caring for those who are looking for our Naya." Scroll through the gallery below to see how the cast of Glee paid tribute to Rivera. [podcast_block]

Credit: Carin Baer/FOX

'Glee' Cast Reacts to Naya Rivera's Tragic Death

Paying tribute. The cast of Glee took to social media on Monday, July 13, following the news that Naya Rivera, who starred on all six seasons of the Fox series, died. On Monday, authorities announced that her body was uncovered at Lake Piru, the spot she was reported missing from on Wednesday, July 8. She was 33. Rivera's 4-year-old son Josey, whom she shares with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, was found alone on a boat that the pair had rented for the day. Josey told authorities that he was swimming with his mother and he made it back on the boat, but she did not. He was wearing a life vest when he was found and an adult-sized vest was found on the boat, along with Rivera's ID and wallet. [jwplayer 9PTqjwLZ] Robert Inglis of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Search & Rescue Team told Us Weekly in an exclusive interview that he was "confident" that they would find Rivera's body after she went missing, as divers, helicopters, drone aircraft and cadaver dogs searched for her. “As you get more north in the lake, there are steep hills and it’s covered with brush with bigger rocks,” he explained. “It would be very difficult to maneuver through that especially if you’re just wearing maybe a bathing suit. ... What I suspect is that the winds kicked up. Those pontoon boats are very light, and when you push them, it can get away from you. She might’ve tried to swim after the boat. But that’s all speculation. Once we do locate her, that’ll answer a lot more questions." After the Step Up star was reported missing, many of her former costars took to social media to share their prayers. Heather Morris, who played Rivera's love interest Brittany on Glee, also volunteered to help in the search. "I have spoken to Sheriff Eric Buschow and rest assured they are using every single one of their resources to locate our Naya. I have full confidence that they’re doing everything they can, and probably more. We will hold off on the citizen search and rescue until we get the go," she tweeted on July 12. "Ahead that they’ll allow volunteers. Understand it’s 110 degrees here and if you’re not highly trained in search and rescue, this could end up a much more dangerous situation for everybody involved. Please be kind, compassionate and caring for those who are looking for our Naya." Scroll through the gallery below to see how the cast of Glee paid tribute to Rivera. [podcast_block]

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Gloria Estefan

The Latin superstar played Santana Lopez's mother on the Fox drama — and still has fond memories of her shared scenes with Rivera. "When I got the opportunity and was invited to be a part of it, I was thrilled beyond words," she told Andy Cohen in August on SiriusXM's Radio Andy. "Naya was really down to earth and warm and [it] was a joy to play her mom. She had really amazing chops." Estefan said that she had plans to work with Rivera on her music career, but her plans changed when son Josey came into the picture. "When I heard what had happened and I saw that the baby had been on board," Estefan added. "Deep down inside as a mom you know that she would never have left that baby alone on the boat. ... I prayed a lot. But I hope she's remembered as a wonderful triple threat. She really was one of our young acting talents and dancing and singing, it's just such a shame."

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Grant Gustin

“This loss is truly unimaginable. As many people have stated, Naya was a force. I was intimidated by her talent and presence on set, but she was always so kind and welcoming to me,” the Flash star, who played Sebastian Smythe on Glee, wrote via Instagram. “So many of my Glee memories on and off set have Naya in them. She was one of a kind. My heart breaks for her family and friends. I’ll always keep Naya in my heart and remember her for the strong, talented and compassionate person she was to me in the brief time I got to spend with her. Sending so much strength and love to her family and everyone who’s heart is breaking over this tragic loss.”

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Heather Morris

"Taking a moment to honor my grief," the star, who portrayed Santanna Lopez's love interest Brittany S. Pierce, wrote via Instagram. "Thank you for all your messages and prayers. Taking care of myself and my family comes first Xo Heather."

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Dot-Marie Jones

"This woman touched so many lives and mine is one of them," the actress, who portrayed Coach Shannon Beiste, captioned a series of photos of the pair via Instagram. "She was beyond a force, she was everything you could imagine. Talented, smart, stunning, and most of all present. As I have said since day one working with her and just being around this amazing woman, she’s the real deal! No bulls--t, not fake, what you saw is what you got and I love and respect her for that. She had an infectious laugh and smile that pulled you in. A true gift she was and her eyes told you so much when she talked about being a momma, they would well up and you could see how much love she had for her boy Josey. I will love and honour Rivera forever and always! I called her Rivera all the time, she’d hear me and just turn and laugh and give you that award-winning smile and always met with a hug!"

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Chord Overstreet

"The world is at such a loss and I am truly heartbroken," the actor, who played Sam Evans on Glee, captioned a photo of Rivera on Instagram. "I still remember the day I met you. You Walked straight up to me, grabbed me by the face and drug me around until I met every single person on set, introducing me as 'new booty'. You were one of the first people who made me feel like family when others saw me as an outsider. I didn’t know then that you would become my family and that’s just who you were to everyone.. A Mother, Sister, Daughter and most of all a friend. Your massive heart and bright spark is what carried our entire show, when at times we all felt like giving up."

"You always showed up for me when I needed some wisdom or was down and just needed someone to talk to. You took care of everyone around you in a way that was so warm and comforting and you sure knew how to throw a hell of a party!" he continued. "I always admired your bravery and passion to fight for what’s right even when it seemed like you were up against the world. Your spirit is contagious and you continue to make everyone you have touched a better and stronger person by knowing you."

Overstreet added that his "favorite part" of Glee was getting to watch Rivera "perform and shine up close every day. You really were the pulse of that show. Anyone who was blessed enough to see and experience your raw talent knows it to be true. You’re one of the smartest and most gifted people I have ever met. There is no one like you and there never will be."

He concluded, "You have changed peoples lives all around the world and you continue to change mine forever. I will never forget your love and kindness. Thank you for sharing your spirit Angel. I will miss you always. I Love you Naya."

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Gwyneth Paltrow

Paltrow, who won an Emmy for her guest role on Glee, posted a clip of her character, Holly Holliday, singing “Landslide” with Rivera and Morris during season 2.

“Remembering beautiful @nayarivera today,” the actress wrote via Instagram. “Getting to sing in this trio with her was such a special moment. I am in utter shock and disbelief that someone so full of life and passion and talent is no longer with us. And completely heart broken for her family. 💔”

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Matthew Morrison

Morrison, who portrayed Mr. Schue on all six seasons of Glee, shared a black-and-white photo of Rivera via Instagram.

“Naya was such a powerful force, in both her personal life and in her work. While so many of us were trying to find our voice, Naya’s was clear and resolute,” he wrote. “When she spoke, you would embrace every last word. And when she sang, she would let you into her soul. Glee acted as only a snippet of her life that we all, thankfully, had the honor of witnessing. But Naya would shine brightest when surrounded by her wonderful family.”

Morrison revealed that the former costars bonded over their kids. (The actor shares son Revel James Makai with wife Renee Puente.)

“A common passion we both shared recently was that of our roles as parents. Naya was fervent about motherhood and had a steadfast love for Josey,” he wrote. “It is that powerful love that ensures us that her story does not end here. I’m confident that her positive influence will be continuously felt, and that her beautiful spirit will carry on in the lives of so many. I’m devastated by this immense loss.  This week has been long and trying with much praying and hope. I find some solace in closure, but the pain I feel for her and her family cannot be measured. Rest in peace, keep shining down on us with your bright light.”

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Dianna Agron

The actress, who played Quinn Fabray on the series, penned a lengthy tribute to Rivera via Instagram.

“Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet,” Agron wrote, adding that she’s found “great joy” revisiting Rivera’s performances on Glee.

She continued: “To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb - her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent - supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead [SIC] with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons.”

⁣Agron also detailed a fond memory with Rivera during a trip to Paris.

“I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust,” she wrote. “I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontaneous 36 hour excursion - one might even say diversion - to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.⁣⁣ On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L'École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it.”

She concluded: “I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy. ⁣⁣In absolute, loving memory.”

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Kate Hudson

The Oscar nominee guest-starred on Glee as Cassandra July during season 4.

“Oh Naya, such sadness today,” Hudson wrote via Instagram Stories. “May your family be given time to mourn peacefully and may you sing in the heavens with that beautiful powerful voice of yours. I know your boy can hear you. Love you #GleeFamily. RIP @NayaRivera.”

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Amber Riley

“My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you,” the actress, who played Mercedes Jones, wrote via Instagram. “I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything.”

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Darren Criss

“She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun,” Criss, who played Blaine Anderson, wrote via Instagram. “⁣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.⁣ She played by her own rules and was in a class of her own. She had a brashness about her that I couldn’t help but be enchanted by. I also always loved her voice, and savored every chance I got to hear her sing. I think she had more talent than we would have ever been able to see.⁣”

He continued, “I was constantly moved by the degree to which she took care of her family, and how she looked out for her friends. She showed up for me on numerous occasions where she didn’t have to, and I was always so grateful for her friendship then, as I certainly am now.⁣ And even as I sit here, struggling to comprehend, gutted beyond description- the very thought of her cracks me up and still brings a smile to my face. That was Naya’s gift. And it's a gift that will never go away. ⁣Rest in peace you wild, hilarious, beautiful angel.”

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Demi Lovato

“RIP Naya Rivera. I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee,” the pop star, who played Dani, wrote via Instagram. “The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted queer girls (like me at the time) and open queer girls, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world. My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time.”

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Harry Shum Jr.

“I’m failing miserably to process this news. I always imagined our old future senior moments where we would hear from your infectious laughter down the hall knowing that our funny bone was in for a treat,” the SAG Award winner, who played Mike Chang, wrote in a lengthy letter he shared via Twitter. “To many people, myself included, you were the life of the party. Not only able to rock when fun was to be had after a long day but that shining friend that was always willing to listen, offer sympathy, perspective and at times, give much needed levity to any situation.”

Shum remembered Rivera as “a beast on the show” who would “nail multi page monologues” and pour her heart “into every performance. He added, “You deserved more. … We will make sure to keep your legacy and spirit alive so Josey will grow up to know the incredible woman you were. Love you, Naya.”

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Mike O’Malley

“Naya Rivera was hilarious. She lit up the set. She was the definition of cool,” the Emmy nominee, who played Burt Hummel, tweeted.

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Lauren Potter

“Cheerios Forever,” the Special Olympics advocate, who played Becky Jackson, wrote via Instagram.

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Melissa Benoist

“She has not left my mind this last week. It’s difficult to find words. There was an undeniable beauty that she radiated inside and out, and I consider myself incredibly lucky that I got to witness that up close even for the short period of time that I did,” the Supergirl star, who played Marley Rose on Glee, wrote via Instagram. “I was so intimidated by her, yet she had a way of disarming that just made you want to be around her, hear what she had to say (because it would undoubtedly be the sharpest and most real thing you would hear all day). She was kind and open to me when she didn’t have to be, when I was a naive, clueless and insecure newcomer. Bravely authentic, genuinely kind, incredibly talented and deeply loved by so many. Thinking of her family and loved ones. Rest In Peace, Naya.”

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Cheyenne Jackson

“How I’ll always remember you. Bright. Beautiful. Funny,” the Broadway star, who played Dustin Goolsby on Glee, wrote via Instagram. “You were so kind to me and I watched you be just wonderful with people. A life cut way too short. #RIPNaya.”

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Peter Facinelli

“I had the honor of working with @nayarivera who’s [sic] talent blew me away,” the actor, who played Rupert Campion, wrote via Instagram. “Heartbroken to hear the news of her passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to her family, close friends, and loyal fans. Naya- you will be missed, but never forgotten.”

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Adam Lambert

“RIP Naya,” the American Idol alum, who played Elliott Gilbert on Glee, tweeted.

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Ashley Fink

“Naya and I held hands during every glee tour performance and I looked forward to it every. single. time,” the actress, who played Lauren Zizes, wrote via Instagram. “We would always try to make each other laugh by doing something silly and different each show. And then, years later, we held hands again filming the finale. This is just too much. It doesn’t seem possible that such a one of a kind, beautiful, smart, witty, hilarious force of nature could be gone so soon. My thoughts and all my love are with her family and beautiful son. Heartbroken.”

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Kevin McHale

"My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you," wrote McHale, who portrayed Glee's Artie Abrams. He recalled that seven years ago to the day, he and Rivera were in London together when they learned of their costar Cory Monteith's death from an overdose. "We were so far away, but I was so thankful that we had each other. A week ago today we were talking about running away to Hawaii. This doesn't make sense. And I know it probably never will."

"She was so independent and strong and the idea of her not being here is something I cannot comprehend. She was the single most quick-witted person I’ve ever met, with a steel-trap memory that could recall the most forgettable conversations from a decade ago verbatim. The amount of times she would memorize all of those crazy monologues on Glee the morning of and would never ever mess up during the scene… I mean, she was clearly more talented than the rest of us. She was the most talented person I’ve ever known. There is nothing she couldn’t do and I’m furious we won’t get to see more," he continued.

"I'm thankful for all the ways in which she made me a better person. She taught me how to advocate for myself and to speak up for the things and people that were important to me, always. I'm thankful for the times I grew an ab muscle from laughing so hard at something she said. I'm thankful she became like family. I'm thankful that my dad happened to have met her weeks before I did and when I got Glee, he told me to 'look out for a girl named Naya because she seemed nice.' Well dad, she was nice and she became one of my favorite people ever," McHale added. "If you were fortunate enough to have known her, you'll know that her most natural talent of all was being a mother. The way that she loved her boy, it was truly Naya at her most peaceful. I'm thankful that Naya got that beautiful little boy got back on that boat. I'm thankful he will have a strong family around him to protect him and tell him about his incredible mom."

He concluded, "I just hope more than anything that her family is given the space and time to come to terms with this. For having such tiny body, Naya had such a gigantic presence, a void that will now be felt by all of us - those of us who knew her personally and the millions of you who loved her through your TVs. I love you, Bee."

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Lea Michele

The actress, who famously feuded with her costar before they called a truce, deleted her Twitter account three days after Rivera went missing amid criticism from several Glee cast members for her behavior on the set. After the Sorry Not Sorry author was declared dead on July 13 — the seventh anniversary of costar and Michele's real-life love Cory Monteith's death — the Scream Queens star posted tributes to the pair on her Instagram Stories, sharing a black-and-white photo of Monteith in NYC and a screengrab of Rivera along with a photo of the cast sitting by the beach.

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Jenna Ushkowitz

"There are no words and yet so many things I want to say, I don't believe I'll ever be able to articulate exactly what I feel but... Naya, you were a force and everyone who got to be around you knew it and felt the light and joy you exuded when you walked into a room," Ushkowitz, who played Glee's Tina Cohen-Chang, captioned a black-and-white photo of Rivera embracing her at an awards show. "You shined on stage and screen and radiated with love behind closed doors. I was lucky enough to share so many laughs, martinis and secrets with you. I can not believe I took for granted that you'd always be here. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow, so I will not look back and regret but know I love you and promise to help the legacy of your talent, humor, light and loyalty live on. You are so loved. You deserved the world and we will make sure Josey and your family feel that everyday. I miss you already."

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Becca Tobin

"Naya was insanely talented, breathtakingly gorgeous, and one of the wittiest people I’ve ever met, but the legacy she left behind for me is her kindness," Tobin, who played Kitty Wilde on the Fox hit, captioned a photo with Rivera. "I joined the cast of Glee in the third season and as the newcomer, I was intimidated and terrified. The cast was already such a tight-knit group who had been working incredibly hard together for over three years to make it a hit show and I never expected any of them to have time for me. To my surprise, Naya, one of the most beloved by the rest of the cast (and the entire world), showed me instant warmth and kindness. She invited me to parties and gatherings and was always there to give advice. She was a superstar who had nothing to gain from being kind to the new girl, but she was and that changed this new girl’s entire experience on that show. I will forever be grateful to that beautiful human. My heart goes out to her family and her sweet boy."

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Dean Geyer

"Naya was an extremely talented performer that I got the pleasure of working with. The only thing that rivaled her acting abilities, was her incredible voice," Geyer, who appeared in season 4 of Glee wrote via Twitter. "I am extremely saddened to hear the news about someone who had such a positive impact on so many peoples lives."

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Kristin Chenoweth

"Thank you for what you gave the world," Chenoweth wrote via Instagram, sharing a photo of Rivera and Josey. "I love you."

The Broadway star later shared a tearful tribute via her Instagram Story. "A long time ago I was invited to be a guest star on a show called Glee," Chenoweth said. "I had the honor of meeting all my babies, those kids, who still make me proud and I want them to know I still love them and I'm proud of them. And with Naya gone, I know how that hurts them. She was such a sweet, sweet child."

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Chris Colfer

"How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t," Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel in all six seasons, posted via Instagram. "Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son."

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Brad Ellis

"I’m so sorry to accept that my friend, our friend, is gone. The world’s love can’t stop us from crying today," Ellis, the pianist on Glee, wrote on Twitter, sharing a video. "This song is perhaps my happiest memory of working with Naya. I won’t be accessible on Twitter for a while. I’m sure you all understand. Oh, Naya."

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Damian McGinty

"Just unbelievable," the Glee Project alum wrote via Twitter. "Grateful to have known you and worked with you and your talent. RIP Naya."

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Alex Newell

"My heart is broken.. I truly had soo much fun filming this little segment... we both clearly didn’t wanna be there but made the most of it! Naya was truly a star," Newell, who played Glee's Unique Adams, wrote via Instagram sharing a video of the pair doing an interview for Fox. "One day as I was coming out of hair and make up I saw her sitting at base camp and she said “Alex... when you go on tour can you please say ‘everybody say heeeyy Ms. Newell’’ just for me!” I said absolutely we laughed and had a short little convo about life and music.. I’ll cherish that moment for ever!! I watched her perform with such power, brilliance, and honesty.. While being a light as a person! The love she had for her family and friends was always clear! She will truly be missed! Josey you are loved by all the people who love your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with her family! Rest Sweet Angel.. and Well Done!"

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NeNe Leakes

"I was praying for a miracle! I wanted you to come home to your baby so bad. This hurts," Leakes, who appeared in 13 episodes of Glee, wrote via Instagram. "I will hold the memories close to my heart and remember the good times, the laughs and the way we would cut up on set. Those were fun times! Please pray for Naya’s family. ripnayarivera #lifeisshort #bigsis"

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Jane Lynch

"Rest sweet, Naya," Lynch tweeted. "What a force you were. Love and peace to your family."

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Max Adler

Adler, who appeared on 29 episodes of Glee, tweeted, "Hey, July 13th," with a middle finger emoji. July 13 is also the same day that Glee star Cory Monteith died of an overdose in 2013.

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Josh Sussman

"Naya, you will be missed so much," Sussman, who played Jacob Ben Israel in 24 episodes, tweeted with a broken heart emoji.