Naya Rivera was a multi-talented American artist known for her acting, singing, and modeling. She gained significant recognition for her role in the hit television show Glee, which ran from 2009 to 2015. Her performance earned her accolades such as a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Grammy Award nominations.
1986: Marriage of Naya Rivera's Parents
In 1986, Naya Rivera's parents, Yolanda and George, were married.
January 12, 1987: Naya Marie Rivera's Birth
On January 12, 1987, Naya Marie Rivera was born in Valencia, California.
1990: Birth of Mychal Rivera
Naya Rivera's younger brother, Mychal Rivera, was born in 1990.
1991: Debut as a Child Actress in "The Royal Family"
Naya Rivera's acting journey began at the age of four with her role as Hillary Winston in the CBS sitcom "The Royal Family" in 1991.
1991: Impactful Experience on "The Royal Family"
While working on "The Royal Family" in 1991, Naya Rivera witnessed the death of her co-star, Redd Foxx, an event that deeply affected her.
1992: First Award Nomination
At the young age of 5, Naya Rivera received her first award nomination in 1992.
1992: Entry into the Golden Age of Black Sitcoms
From 1992 to 2002, Naya Rivera was actively involved in the golden age of black sitcoms, taking on various roles.
1992: Conclusion of "The Royal Family"
The sitcom "The Royal Family," in which Naya Rivera starred, came to an end in 1992.
1994: Birth of Nickayla Rivera
Naya Rivera's family welcomed her younger sister, Nickayla Rivera, in 1994.
1996: Divorce of Naya Rivera's Parents
The year 1996 marked the end of Naya Rivera's parents' marriage when they divorced.
1999: Remarriage of Naya Rivera's Mother
Naya Rivera's mother, Yolanda, remarried in 1999 to Charles Previtire.
2000: Rivera Begins Dating Tahj Mowry
Naya Rivera and Tahj Mowry began dating in 2000, having met years prior while filming a commercial and later working together on "Smart Guy."
2002: Appearance in B2K's "Why I Love You" Music Video
Naya Rivera showcased her talent in B2K's music video for "Why I Love You" in 2002.
2004: Rivera and Tahj Mowry Break Up
Naya Rivera and Tahj Mowry ended their relationship in 2004 after four years of dating.
2005: Graduation from Valencia High School
Naya Rivera graduated from Valencia High School in Santa Clarita in 2005.
2006: Naya Rivera Performs in "U Don't Know Me: The Musical"
In 2006, Naya Rivera participated in a production of Mark E. Swinton's play, "U Don't Know Me: The Musical," in Los Angeles.
2007: Naya Rivera Tours with "U Don't Know Me: The Musical"
Naya Rivera joined the national tour of "U Don't Know Me: The Musical" in 2007.
March 2008: Naya Rivera Begins Screenwriting Studies
In March 2008, Naya Rivera started studying screenwriting at the New York Film Academy, from which she graduated the same year.
2008: Rivera and Mark Salling's Relationship
Naya Rivera and her "Glee" co-star, Mark Salling, began dating in 2008, embarking on a tumultuous relationship.
2009: Rivera Expresses Passion for Charity Work
In 2009, Naya Rivera articulated her commitment to giving back to the community and supporting charitable causes, emphasizing her desire to use her platform for positive change.
2009: Volunteering at Los Angeles area food banks and homeless shelters and the Foothill AIDS Project
In 2009, Naya Rivera volunteered at Los Angeles area food banks and homeless shelters and the Foothill AIDS Project.
2009: Breakthrough Role in "Glee"
In 2009, Naya Rivera's career reached new heights when she landed her breakout role as Santana Lopez on the Fox television series "Glee."
2009: Naya Rivera Cast as Santana Lopez in "Glee"
Naya Rivera was cast as Santana Lopez, a high school cheerleader, on the Fox musical comedy series "Glee" in 2009.
2010: First Award Win
After being nominated for her first award in 1992, Naya Rivera won her first award in 2010, marking the beginning of consistent recognition for her talent.
2010: Rivera's First Appearance on Maxim Hot 100
Naya Rivera made her first appearance on Maxim's Hot 100 list in 2010, marking the beginning of her recognition as one of the most attractive women in the entertainment industry.
2010: Rivera's Abortion and Breakup with Mark Salling
Naya Rivera's relationship with Mark Salling ended in 2010. That same year, Rivera made the difficult decision to have an abortion, prioritizing her burgeoning career with the success of "Glee."
January 2011: Naya Rivera Appears in "Nuthin' But a Glee Thang" Parody
In January 2011, Naya Rivera appeared in a Funny or Die parody of "Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang," titled "Nuthin' But a Glee Thang."
May 2011: Rivera Hosts GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco
Naya Rivera demonstrated her support for LGBTQ+ rights by hosting the GLAAD Media Awards in San Francisco in May 2011.
May 2011: Naya Rivera Signs Record Deal
In May 2011, Naya Rivera signed a deal with Columbia Records to produce a solo album, fulfilling a lifelong dream of hers.
December 2011: Rivera Becomes Celebrity Spokesperson for Proactiv
Naya Rivera's influence extended to the beauty industry as she became a celebrity spokesperson for Proactiv in December 2011.
2011: Rivera's Role as Santana Breaks Ground for LGBTQ+ Representation
In 2011, Naya Rivera's portrayal of Santana on "Glee" was recognized by GLAAD for its groundbreaking representation of an LGBTQ+ teenager of color, highlighting the significance of diverse storytelling in mainstream media.
2011: Naya Rivera Wins First ALMA Award
Naya Rivera won her first ALMA Award as Favorite Female Music Artist in 2011.
2011: Signing with Columbia Records
In 2011, Naya Rivera embarked on a musical path by signing with Columbia Records as a solo artist.
2011: Rivera Tops AfterEllen.com's "Hot 100" List and Appears on Maxim Hot 100 Again
In 2011, Naya Rivera achieved the top spot on AfterEllen.com's "Hot 100" list and made a second appearance on Maxim's Hot 100 list, solidifying her status as a highly admired figure.
2011: Grammy Award Nomination for "Don't Stop Believin'"
In 2011, Naya Rivera and the Glee cast were nominated for a Grammy Award for their version of "Don't Stop Believin'".
March 24, 2012: Rivera Co-Hosts GLAAD Media Awards in New York City
Naya Rivera co-hosted the GLAAD Media Awards in New York City with her "Glee" co-star Cory Monteith on March 24, 2012, helping raise funds for the organization.
September 2012: Rivera Named One of The Hollywood Reporter's 35 Under 35 Latinos in Entertainment
Naya Rivera was recognized as one of The Hollywood Reporter's 35 under 35 Latinos in Entertainment in September 2012, acknowledging her rising influence and impact in the industry.
October 2012: Participation in "The Biggest Show"
In October 2012, Naya Rivera participated in "The Biggest Show", a performance of young writers' scripts for the literacy non-profit Young Storytellers.
October 2012: Rivera Featured on MTV's "This Is How I Made It"
Naya Rivera's career journey was highlighted on MTV's "This Is How I Made It" in October 2012, offering insights into her early experiences and breakthrough role on "Glee.
December 2012: Rivera Performs at Trevor Live!
Naya Rivera showed her support for The Trevor Project by performing a cover of "Silent Night" at their annual Trevor Live! event in December 2012.
2012: Naya Rivera Receives Critical Acclaim for "Glee" Performance
Naya Rivera garnered significant critical acclaim for her acting and singing in the later part of season two and early season three of "Glee" in 2012.
2012: Rivera Recognized for Her Beauty and Attractiveness
Naya Rivera received widespread recognition for her beauty in 2012, being included in People en Español's 50 Most Beautiful list, FHM's 100 Sexiest Women list, and reaching number 27 on Maxim's Hot 100 list.
2012: Naya Rivera Tipped for Emmy Nomination
Naya Rivera was considered a strong contender for an Emmy nomination in 2012 for her role in "Glee."
2012: Collaboration with 2Cellos on "Supermassive Black Hole"
Naya Rivera was featured on a single by the music duo 2Cellos, performing a cover of the Muse song "Supermassive Black Hole" in 2012.
2012: Collaboration with 2Cellos
In 2012, Naya Rivera collaborated with the musical duo 2Cellos on a cover of Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole," showcasing her vocal talents in a new genre.
February 3, 2013: Super Bowl Commercial
Naya Rivera appeared in an M&Ms commercial that aired during Super Bowl XLVII on February 3, 2013, expanding her reach beyond music and television.
April 2013: Rivera and Big Sean Begin Dating
Naya Rivera and recording artist Big Sean began dating in April 2013.
May 2013: Rivera Poses for Allure Magazine
Naya Rivera posed nude for an issue of Allure magazine in May 2013, showcasing her beauty and confidence.
July 2013: Glee Production Postponed
The production of Glee's fifth season was postponed in July 2013 following Cory Monteith's death.
July 24, 2013: Naya Rivera Leads Tribute to Cory Monteith
On July 24, 2013, Naya Rivera led a moment of silence for her late Glee co-star Cory Monteith at the Giffoni Film Festival.
September 17, 2013: "Sorry" Single Release
Naya Rivera released her debut single "Sorry," featuring Big Sean, on September 17, 2013, showcasing a more soulful side to her music.
October 2013: Rivera and Big Sean Get Engaged
Big Sean proposed to Naya Rivera in October 2013.
2013: Complex Magazine Recognizes Rivera's Authenticity
Complex magazine described Naya Rivera as a rare and genuinely down-to-earth Hollywood starlet in 2013, highlighting her relatable personality.
2013: Rivera's Role as Santana Highlighted in Scholarly Work
Scholarly work in 2013 acknowledged Naya Rivera's portrayal of Santana as the first lesbian Latina on primetime television, emphasizing the character's positive impact and compassionate representation of LGBTQ+ individuals.
2013: Release of Single "Sorry"
Naya Rivera released her single "Sorry" in 2013, despite not having released a studio album at that point.
2013: Release of Debut Single "Sorry"
Naya Rivera released her debut single "Sorry", featuring Big Sean, in 2013.
2013: Santana's Coming-Out Scene Hailed as a Hallmark Moment
In 2013, Santana's coming-out scene from the second season of "Glee" was recognized as a significant moment in the series.
March 9, 2014: "At the Devil's Door" Premieres at SXSW
Naya Rivera's debut feature film, "At the Devil's Door," premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival on March 9, 2014, marking her entry into a leading film role.
April 2014: Rivera and Big Sean Break Up
Naya Rivera and Big Sean ended their engagement in April 2014.
May 1, 2014: Addressing Rumors and New Projects
On May 1, 2014, Naya Rivera refuted claims that she was dropped by Columbia Records. She also embarked on a short film project with Guillermo DÃaz addressing immigration's impact on families.
July 19, 2014: Rivera and Ryan Dorsey Marry
Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey married in a private ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on July 19, 2014.
August 8, 2014: "At the Devil's Door" VOD Release
"At the Devil's Door" was released through video on demand on August 8, 2014.
September 12, 2014: "At the Devil's Door" Theatrical Release
"At the Devil's Door" had its theatrical release on September 12, 2014.
2014: Reflection on Christianity and Personal Challenges
In 2014, amidst rumors and personal challenges, Naya Rivera reflected on her Christian faith and its importance in her life.
2014: Guest Hosting and New Opportunities
Naya Rivera's guest appearances on "The View" in 2014 were met with positive reception, leading to discussions of a more prominent role on the show.
2014: Continued Success on Glee and Other Projects
Naya Rivera continued to star in Glee's fourth and fifth season in 2014, while also pursuing other opportunities.
2014: Rivera Briefly Dates Ryan Dorsey
Following her breakup with Mark Salling, Naya Rivera had a brief relationship with Ryan Dorsey, whom she would later marry.
2014: Film Debut in "At the Devil's Door"
Naya Rivera made her feature film debut in the horror movie "At the Devil's Door" in 2014.
January 2015: Rivera Hints at Potential Bisexuality
During a guest appearance on "The View" in January 2015, Naya Rivera made a playful remark suggesting she might identify as bisexual.
February 2015: Rivera Announces Pregnancy
In February 2015, Naya Rivera announced that she was expecting her first child with husband Ryan Dorsey.
September 2015: Birth of Rivera's Son, Josey
Naya Rivera gave birth to her son, Josey, in September 2015. Following his birth, she took a break from acting to focus on motherhood.
September 17, 2015: Rivera Gives Birth to Son, Josey Hollis Dorsey
Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey welcomed their first child, Josey Hollis Dorsey, on September 17, 2015.
2015: Conclusion of "Glee"
Naya Rivera's time on "Glee" concluded in 2015.
2015: New Roles and Guest Appearances
In 2015, Naya Rivera took on the recurring role of Blanca Alvarez in "Devious Maids" and appeared as a recurring guest host on "The View," demonstrating her versatility and expanding her presence in the television industry.
2015: Mark Salling's Arrest and Rivera's Reaction
In 2015, Mark Salling was arrested for possession of child pornography. Naya Rivera, in her memoir, expressed that while not entirely shocked, she was taken aback by the news.
2015: Big Sean Releases "I Don't Fuck with You"
Big Sean released "I Don't Fuck with You," a diss track inspired by his relationship and breakup with Naya Rivera, in 2015. The song achieved commercial success, peaking at number 1 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
September 2016: Rivera's Memoir "Sorry Not Sorry" is Published
In September 2016, Naya Rivera published her memoir, "Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up," in which she shared personal experiences and insights, motivated by a desire to be a better role model and step out of the shadow of her "Glee" character, Santana.
November 2016: Rivera Files for Divorce
Naya Rivera filed for divorce from Ryan Dorsey in November 2016 after two years of marriage.
2016: Speaking Out Against Racism in Casting
In 2016, Naya Rivera bravely addressed the issue of racism in casting, sharing her own experiences and advocating for change.
2016: Political Activism and Campaigning
In 2016, Naya Rivera campaigned with Everyone Votes and Rock the Vote to promote voter participation and took part in a Funny or Die celebrity campaign song ("Holy Shit (You've Got to Vote)") that supported Hillary Clinton.
2016: Publication of Memoir "Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up"
In 2016, Naya Rivera shared her life story with the world through her memoir, "Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up."
March 2017: Rivera Becomes Brand Ambassador for NIOXIN
In March 2017, Naya Rivera shared her personal experience with postpartum hair loss and became a brand ambassador for NIOXIN, a hair loss solution brand, promoting awareness and support.
October 2017: Rivera and Dorsey Call Off Separation
Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey reconciled and called off their separation in October 2017.
November 2017: Rivera Arrested for Domestic Battery
In November 2017, Naya Rivera was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic battery against Ryan Dorsey following an alleged altercation.
December 2017: Rivera Refiles for Divorce
Naya Rivera refiled for divorce from Ryan Dorsey in December 2017, following their brief reconciliation.
2017: Rivera Stars in "Mad Families"
Naya Rivera returned to acting in 2017 with a role in the film "Mad Families," portraying Felipa, a peacemaker navigating a complex family dynamic during a camping trip.
2017: Rivera Joins "Step Up: High Water"
Naya Rivera joined the cast of YouTube Red's "Step Up: High Water" in 2017, taking on the lead role of Collette Jones. Her connection with executive producer Adam Shankman, who had directed her in "Glee," played a significant part in her casting.
2017: Rivera Writes "Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community"
In honor of Pride Month 2017, Naya Rivera penned a heartfelt "Love Letter to the LGBTQ Community" for Billboard, expressing gratitude for their support and reaffirming her commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy.
2017: Rivera Appears on "Tia Mowry at Home"
In 2017, Naya Rivera made an appearance on her longtime friend Tia Mowry's cooking show, "Tia Mowry at Home," highlighting their enduring bond.
2017: Big Sean Releases Another Diss Track Aimed at Rivera
Big Sean reignited tensions with Naya Rivera in 2017 by releasing "No More Interviews," another diss track widely perceived as directly targeting her.
2017: Supporting Role in "Mad Families"
Naya Rivera took on a supporting role in the comedy film "Mad Families" in 2017.
January 2018: Domestic Battery Charge Dismissed
The domestic battery charge against Naya Rivera was dismissed in January 2018 at the request of Ryan Dorsey, who stated he no longer sought prosecution.
June 14, 2018: Rivera and Dorsey Finalize Divorce
Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey finalized their divorce on June 14, 2018, agreeing to share joint custody of their son, Josey.
2018: Rivera Auditions for "West Side Story"
In 2018, Naya Rivera auditioned for the role of Anita in the 2021 remake of "West Side Story," showcasing her talent and connection to the iconic musical, having previously performed "America" on "Glee.
2018: Final Award for "Step Up: High Water"
In 2018, Naya Rivera received her last award for her work on "Step Up: High Water." This award recognized the cast and production's efforts in promoting equal female representation.
2018: Rivera's Legacy in Queer Media Highlighted
In 2018, journalist Dana Piccoli recognized Naya Rivera's significant impact on queer representation in television, emphasizing the groundbreaking role of Santana Lopez in "Glee." Piccoli and other journalists acknowledged the influence of Rivera's portrayal on subsequent LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.
2018: Rivera Performs "I Don't Fuck With You" on "Lip Sync Battle"
In a move widely interpreted as shading her ex-fiance, Naya Rivera delivered a memorable performance of Big Sean's "I Don't Fuck with You" on an episode of "Lip Sync Battle" in 2018.
April 2019: Release of "My Heart" EP
Naya Rivera released her six-track EP titled "My Heart" in April 2019.
2019: Reflection on High School Experience
In 2019, Naya Rivera reflected on her high school years, describing the experience as "terrible."
2019: Rivera Cast as Catwoman in "Batman: The Long Halloween"
In 2019, it was announced that Naya Rivera had been cast as the voice of Catwoman in the two-part animated adaptation of the comic "Batman: The Long Halloween." This casting highlighted her versatility as an actress.
2019: Support for Alexandria House
During 2019 and 2020, Naya Rivera organized fundraisers for and volunteered at Alexandria House, a women's shelter in Los Angeles.
March 2020: Glee Cast Becomes Most-Charting Act Until March 2020
By March 2020, the Glee cast, including Naya Rivera, became the most-charting act in history.
March 2020: Custody Agreement Modified
In March 2020, Naya Rivera and Ryan Dorsey modified their custody agreement, granting Rivera primary custody of their son, Josey, while ensuring Dorsey had frequent and meaningful custodial contact.
May 2020: "Step Up: High Water" Moves to Starz and is Renewed
In May 2020, "Step Up: High Water," in which Rivera played a lead role, transitioned to Starz for its third season, with plans for Rivera to continue her involvement. The show held a special significance for Rivera, drawing parallels to her time on "Glee.
June 5, 2020: Attendance at a Black Lives Matter protest
On June 5, 2020, Naya Rivera attended a Black Lives Matter protest on Breonna Taylor's birthday.
July 8, 2020: Naya Rivera's Passing
Naya Rivera tragically passed away on July 8, 2020.
July 12, 2020: Tahj Mowry's Instagram Tribute
On July 12, 2020, Tahj Mowry posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram expressing his enduring love for Naya Rivera, following the news of her disappearance.
July 19, 2020: "Supermassive Black Hole" Charts on iTunes
Naya Rivera's collaboration with 2Cellos on "Supermassive Black Hole" reached number 16 on the iTunes Top 100 Classical chart in the week of July 13 to July 19, 2020.
July 24, 2020: Funeral and Interment of Naya Rivera
Following a private service, Naya Rivera was interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills on July 24, 2020.
August 2020: Entertainment Tonight's announcement to honor Rivera's legacy
In August 2020, Entertainment Tonight announced that, to "continue [honoring] Rivera's legacy", they would be promoting some of the causes closest to the late star.
August 27, 2020: Amber Riley's Tribute Performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
On August 27, 2020, Amber Riley, under her stage name RILEY, performed a tribute to Naya Rivera on the episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!
December 2020: Launch of the Snixxmas campaign
In December 2020, members of the Glee cast launched a campaign called Snixxmas to benefit Alexandria House, continuing a Christmas charity tradition Rivera had started among their friends.
2020: Rivera's Legacy as a Pioneer for Afro-Latinx and LGBTQ+ Representation
In 2020, Naya Rivera's legacy was celebrated for her pioneering role in advancing Afro-Latinx and LGBTQ+ representation in television, highlighting her enduring impact on inclusivity and diverse storytelling.
2020: Santana Lopez Ranked Among Greatest TV Characters
Santana Lopez, Naya Rivera's character in "Glee," was ranked 85th on Thrillist's list of the 100 Greatest TV Characters of the 21st Century in 2020.
2020: Criticism Arises Over Lack of Latinx Representation at Emmys
In 2020, criticism was directed at the Television Academy for the historical under-representation of Latinx individuals at the Emmy Awards.
June 22, 2021: Release of "Batman: The Long Halloween, Part One" Dedicated to Rivera
The first part of "Batman: The Long Halloween," an animated film in which Naya Rivera voiced Catwoman, was released on June 22, 2021, and was dedicated in her memory. This voice acting role showcased Rivera's talent beyond live-action performances.
February 2023: "You and I" featuring Naya Rivera Charts
In February 2023, "You and I" by Jaffa Moore, featuring Naya Rivera's vocals, climbed to number 21 on Rockefella TV's/Talking Pictures TV's Heritage Chart show.