Naya Marie Rivera (January 12, 1987 – July 8, 2020) was an American actress, singer, and model, best known for her role as Santana Lopez on Glee (2009–2015). She earned a Screen Actors Guild Award, two Grammy nominations, and two ALMA Awards.
Starting as a child in The Royal Family (1991–1992), she later signed with Columbia Records, releasing the single “Sorry” (2013). Rivera appeared in At the Devil’s Door (2014) and Mad Families (2017). She advocated for LGBT rights, immigrants, women’s rights, and fought racism, publishing her memoir Sorry Not Sorry (2016).
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Naya Rivera Net Worth
Naya Rivera had a net worth of $5 million at her death in July 2020. In 2018, she sold her Los Feliz home for $3.55 million and owned a children’s clothing line called Jojo and Izzy based in Los Angeles. It is unknown if Rivera had a Will, Trust, or estate planning documents.
Without these, her minor son cannot legally manage inherited assets. Ideally, a Living Trust would avoid probate, naming a trustee to manage her estate until her son is of age.
Early Life
Naya Marie Rivera was born on January 12, 1987, in Valencia, California. Of African-American, German, and Puerto Rican descent, she was later identified as Afro-Latinx. Her mother, Yolanda Previtire, was a real estate agent and model; her father, George Rivera, worked in IT for Disney and Universal Music.
Her grandmother, Clara White, was a civil rights activist. Rivera had two siblings: Mychal Rivera, an NFL player, and Nickayla Rivera, a model. Despite financial ups and downs, Rivera used her Coogan account funds. She loved boating at Lake Piru.
Career
Naya Rivera appeared in Kmart commercials as a baby, landing her first major role at age four as Hillary Winston on CBS’s The Royal Family (1991). Unable to read scripts, she memorized lines through recitation, developing strong memorization skills.
The show was canceled after Redd Foxx died of a heart attack on set, which Rivera witnessed. She described Foxx as a “grandfather” figure. The traumatic event impacted her life, especially during season finales. Rivera earned a Young Artist Award nomination for her role and fell in love with TV acting.
Personal life
Naya Rivera dated Tahj Mowry (2000–2004), whom she met filming a commercial at age four and later worked with on Smart Guy. She remained close to Tahj, Tia, and Tamera Mowry, even helping them find an apartment. In 2020, Tahj posted a tribute saying he never stopped loving her.
Rivera dated Mark Salling (2008–2010); their rocky relationship ended, and after his 2015 child pornography arrest, she admitted being surprised but not shocked. Rivera later married Ryan Dorsey, revealing an abortion in 2010 in her memoir to fight stigma.
What Happened to Naya Rivera?
On July 8, 2020, Naya Rivera tragically drowned at Lake Piru, California, while swimming with her son. Her body was recovered five days later, concluding a search that captured the attention of fans and the media worldwide. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning.
Conclusion
Naya Rivera’s legacy is a testament to her talent, resilience, and the profound impact she had on her fans and the entertainment industry. Her sudden departure left a void in the hearts of many, but her work continues to inspire. With a net worth of $5 million at the time of her passing, Rivera’s financial legacy, like her artistic one, speaks to her success and the indelible mark she left on the world.
FAQs about Naya Rivera
- How did Naya Rivera start her career?
- Rivera began her career as a child actress, first appearing in national television commercials and the sitcom “The Royal Family.”
- What awards did Naya Rivera win?
- Rivera received various awards, including a Screen Actors Guild Award, and was nominated for two Grammy Awards among others.
- Was Naya Rivera a singer?
- Yes, Rivera was signed to Columbia Records as a solo musical artist and released the single “Sorry” in 2013.
- Did Naya Rivera write a book?
- Yes, she published a memoir titled “Sorry Not Sorry: Dreams, Mistakes, and Growing Up” in 2016.
- What was Naya Rivera’s advocacy work?
- Rivera championed various charitable causes, particularly for LGBT rights, immigrants’ rights, and women’s rights, and spoke out against racism.
