‘Rest sweet Naya’: Gwyneth Paltrow, Lea Michele, more stars react to Naya Rivera’s tragic death

A body found at Lake Piru in Southern California has been identified as “Glee” actress Naya Rivera, according to Ventura County Sheriff. USA TODAY

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confirmed tragic news Monday. After six days of searching, the body found on Southern California’s Lake Piru early this morning was “Glee” star Naya Rivera.

Rivera, 33, had disappeared from a boat she had rented with her 4-year-old son, Josey Dorsey, Wednesday afternoon. The child told investigators he saw his mother jump into the water, but she did not come out, prompting the search.

The emotionally painful close to the saga had fellow “Glee” castmates and Hollywood reacting on social media.

Heather Morris – who portrayed cheerleader Brittany S. Pierce, the close confidant and love interest of Rivera’s Santana Lopez on “Glee” – shared a picture of her children bonding with Josey.

“We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof,” Morris said. “I have countless pictures of our babies playing, because we shared that kind of pride and joy. So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goof balls for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I.”

Morris said she still speaks to Rivera every day “because I know you’re still with me.” She continued, “Even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.”

Tragedy: ‘Glee’ actress Naya Rivera found at Lake Piru after six-day search

“Glee” star Lea Michele opted for a wordless homage, posting black-and-white photographs of Rivera and “Glee” star Corey Monteith, on her Instagram stories. Monday was the seventh anniversary of Monteith’s death. 

Amber Riley, who played Mercedes Jones on “Glee,” shared a video of Rivera and Josey singing “Skidamarink” while snuggling in bed. 

“My favorite duet partner,” Riley captioned the video. “I love you. I miss you. 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.”

“Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family,” Jane Lynch, who played Sue Sylvester on “Glee,” wrote on Twitter.

Dianna Agron, who starred on “Glee” as fellow cheerleader Quinn Fabray, posted a lengthy tribute to Instagram on Tuesday in which she described Rivera as her “first friend and ally” on the show.

“To work with her was a gift,” Agron added. “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.”

In addition to her admiration for Rivera’s work, Agron also remembered Rivera’s “sense of curiosity and wanderlust.”

“We were united in our commitment to discovery,” she wrote. “And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it.”

Kevin McHale tweeted a playful photo writing, “My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you.”

“A week ago today we were talking about running away to Hawaii. This doesn’t make sense. And I know it probably never will,” he wrote.

“Cheerios Forever,” wrote Lauren Potter, who played fellow cheerleader Becky Jackson.

“Glee” star Chris Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel on the series, posted a throwback picture of himself with Rivera on Instagram. “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,” he wrote. “Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. “

Colfer added, “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.”

“Now more than ever we must lift her family and friends up especially Josey!” tweeted Alex Newell, who played Unique Adams on “Glee.” “My heart is sent to them… Josey you are truly loved by every single person who loves your mommy! I love you Naya!”

Harry Shum Jr. (Mike Chang) wrote that he “always imagined” Rivera in old age being as funny, sympathetic and fun as she was at a younger age. 

“You deserved more,” he added. “I’m so sorry but you deserved more. You gave life your all and I hope all the good that you have given to the world will be returned in abundance when you reunite with our brother in the heavenly skies. I’m so grateful for our memories. We will make sure to keep your legacy and spirit alive so Josey will grow up to know the incredible woman you were.” 

Ashley Fink (Lauren Zizes) shared a short clip of “one of her favorite memories” of herself and Rivera holding hands during a “Glee” tour performance. 

“I looked forward to it every. single. time,” Fink wrote. “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.”

“I was a newcomer to acting. She was the real deal and every scene we did together she was a mixture of terrifying and hilarious,” wrote “The Glee Project” winner Damian McGinty. “A brilliant combo. Great, but really sad memories.”

Gwyneth Paltrow, who guest starred on “Glee” as substitute teacher Holly Holliday, shared a clip on Instagram of herself, Rivera and Heather Morris singing Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” as their characters.

“Getting to sing in this trio with her was such a special moment,” Paltrow wrote. “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.”

Glee’s creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, issued a joint statement honoring Rivera’s talents and legacy, adding that they’d be creating a college fund for her son, Josey.

The trio noted that Rivera’s character on “Glee” was never intended to be a series regular, but “it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.”

Murphy, Falchuk and Brennan recognized Rivera’s contributions to the series, from her musical performances to the importance of playing an openly queer teenager.

“She was warm and caring and fiercely protective of the rest of the cast. She was tough and demanding. She was fun. She was kind. She was generous. There were ups and downs during the wonderful and stressful years we spent making Glee,” the statement read. “We disagreed, we fought, we made up, then we fought some more, then we made up again. The kinds of things that happen in a family. Naya was more than just an actor on our show- she was our friend.” 

Singer Ricky Martin posted a picture embracing the actress of Puerto Rican descent.  “Beautiful memories boricua. RIP,” he wrote.

“My sweet Naya. I love you. Will always love you. I’ll never forget your sweet smile, your amazing voice, and your warmth and love that has always welcomed me,” wrote Tamera Mowry-Housley on Instagram. “I knew as early as 9 years old you were going to grace us with so much talent and so much beauty. I’m so grateful to have been blessed with your presence for over 20 years. You took my breath away and always will. Another angel has gained her wings. My heart goes out to the Rivera family.”

Tia Mowry shared her favorite childhood memory of Rivera on Instagram. 

“I’ve known your beautiful spirit since the age of 6. You quickly became family,” Mowry said. “Just some of my favorite memories- you helping my sister and myself look for a place to live when my parents kicked Tamera and I out of the house at 25. Us hitting L.A. night life together with @tahj_mowry and going to parities introducing me to the most wild drink I’ve ever had and you laughing at me because I couldn’t handle it…I love you. Your smile will always be the most beautiful smile. Rest my love. You are now a beautiful angel.”

“Riverdale” actress Lili Reinhart sent out a broken heart emoji.

“It feels strange to cry and mourn the loss of someone you never knew. But I grew up watching ‘Glee’ – and Naya Rivera was such a beautiful talent,” she tweeted. “My heart breaks for her son. Hold on tight to your people right now, if you’re lucky enough to be near them.”

“Naya, you will be missed so much,” tweeted Josh Sussman (Jacob Ben Israel), while Alex Newell (Wade “Unique” Adams) added: “Now more than ever we must lift her family and friends up especially Josey! My heart is sent to them… Josey you are truly loved by every single person who loves your mommy! I love you Naya!”           

“Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you,” actress Kristin Chenoweth tweeted Monday, posting a picture of Rivera holding her son.

Viola Davis sent out broken heart and prayer emojis, tweeting, “Prayers for Naya Rivera’s family.” and asking “Do Over” of 2020.

“The loss is too much,” Davis wrote.

“This is an absolute nightmare,” singer Bebe Rexha tweeted. “I had the pleasure of having dinner with her once after a recording session we did together and she was an absolute sweetheart. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven. Rest In Peace Naya Rivera.”

Actress Rose McGowan tweeted, “My heart goes out to Naya Rivera’s son, family & friends. Such a talented performer. Fly free, beautiful one. I’m so sorry you didn’t get to live.”

Actor Josh Gad said he’s “sick to my stomach. RIP #nayarivera.”

Mandy Moore called the news, “heartbreaking” on Twitter. “Sending love and holding space for her son and loved ones,” she wrote.

Singer Kehlani tweeted: “The reason songbird by fleetwood mac is one of my favorite songs ever is because of the glee soundtrack version. she transformed it.” She added, “Rest Easy Naya Rivera God cover and hold her loved ones!”

The official account for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” tweeted, “Naya Rivera was truly a light and showed us all how to be unapologetically ourselves. We send our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and fans in this difficult time. Rest in peace.”

“I adored her. I’m heartbroken for her family. Let’s all send them love,” television personality Ross Matthews tweeted.

Actress Dani Harmer tweeted broken heart emojis adding, “Man I loved Naya in Glee!! Sending love to her family and her son! No child should loose a parent so young heartbreaking.”

“I don’t tweet often but sometimes my tweets come true so, together let’s manifest on twitter that Naya will be found safe and sound!!” Demi Lovato tweeted before Rivera’s body was recovered. “Come on y’all! Let’s put this energy out there: they will find her healthy and alive!! “

“Praying you’re somehow safe,” actress Ashley Greene tweeted Monday, before it was confirmed to be Rivera.

Tiffany Haddish had noticed a fan tweeted at Rivera on July 7 requesting a second book from the “Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up” author.

Rivera asked the fan, “Thanks love! What would interest and inspire you most?”

Haddish saw the tweet on July 9 as Rivera was missing and wrote, “You being ALIVE and telling us all a story about how you survived.”

Haddish added, “Please God” along with the prayer hands emoji.

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