Melissa Benoist pays tribute to 'Glee' costar Naya Rivera, says she was 'incredibly talented' and genuinely kind
Honestly, it's been that sort of a year where gloom seems to be a theme every day. 2020 has seen the death of some imminent celebrities in Hollywood and the latest news that rocked the world is the death of 'Glee' star, Naya Rivera. The film industry is now seeing costars, actors and fans paying a rich tribute to Rivera and one of them is her 'Glee' costar and 'Supergirl's main protagonist, Melissa Benoist.
Benoist took to Instagram to share a rich and heartfelt homage to the actress. She posted a black and white image of Rivera saying: "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 message continued: "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."
Benoist was part of the acclaimed Fox series. She played Marley Rose with a recurring role in Season 4 and later was moved to the main role in Season 5. She currently plays Kara Danvers in The CW's hit Arrowverse show, 'Supergirl'. Rivera's body was found in Lake Piru on July 13 and she was declared dead at 33 after being missing for days. The Ventura Sheriff's Department confirmed in its press conference. Sheriff Bill Ayub detailed reporters on how Rivera may have sacrificed her life to help her four-year-old son Josey get back in the pontoon boat they rented.
Fans responded to Benoist's message with touching words as well. "Sorry for the loss of your friend 💔 my thoughts and prayers are with the glee cast and all of Naya's family and friends" a fan wrote. "Poor woman, but she saved her son, I hope she's in peace," opined another. "We will miss her" read one of the many comments.