Early life
Rivera was raised in Valencia, Santa Clarita, California and has lived in or around Los Angeles 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.
Career
As a baby, Rivera appeared in commercials for Kmart, 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.
Glee
In 2009, Rivera was cast as Cheerios cheerleading squad member Santana Lopez on Fox'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's 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".
Personal life
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Heather Morris and Naya Rivera |
Rivera is an avid reader and dedicates her time to various charitable organizations. She took up songwriting 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
Film
2002 The Master of Disguise Captain America 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
Television
1991–1992 The Royal Family 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 Cindy Episode: "Bundle of Joy"
1993 The Sinbad Show 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 Willa Episode: "Scorcher"
1997–1999 Smart Guy Kelly
Tanya Episodes: "Baby, It's You and You and You", "Never Too Young"
1999 The Jersey Girl #2 Episode: "Be True to You"
2002 House Blend Chloe Television pilot
2002 Even Stevens Charlene Episode: "Short Story"
2002–2004 Pajama Rama Herself Host
2002–2006 The Bernie Mac Show Donna Recurring role
2003 Soul Food Lauryn Episode: "Truth's Consequences", "Nobody's Child"
2004 8 Simple Rules Nice Girl Episode: "Halloween"
2008 Girlfriends "Young Lady" Episode: "Stand and Deliver"
2008 CSI: Miami Rachel Calvado Episode: "Power Trip"
2009–present Glee Santana Lopez 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 (shared with Glee cast)
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