Glee star Chris Colfer has paid another tribute to his co-star Naya Rivera as the world continues to mourn her death
The actress, 33, was missing for several days after a boating trip with her son, Josey, with authorities pronouncing her dead on July 13.
Chris, who played Kurt on the musical TV series, was one of the star’s loves ones who visited the site at Lake Piru where she disappeared and have led the world in the grieving over her death.
In a new essay penned for Variety, he stated: ‘I’m not sure anyone on Earth could give Naya Rivera the tribute she deserves.
‘In fact, the process of losing her has been such a nightmare, I find myself wondering if Naya was even real or if she was just a dream all along. How could a human being be that talented, that hilarious and that beautiful at once?
‘How could one person be responsible for so much joy and be the subject of so many wonderful memories?’
The star continued: ‘When Naya sang, you could feel her soul resonating through your own. Her voice would break your heart in one chorus, only to rebuild it in the next. Watching her perform was like watching magic unfold before your eyes.’
He praised her work on screen as he continued: ‘As an actress, Naya could tell a whole story with one expression. It didn’t matter how outrageous the plot was, she spoke with so much authenticity, she made you believe every word she said, and often, you’d forget she was acting at all.
‘Her heroic and groundbreaking portrayal of Santana Lopez on “Glee” inspired millions of young people around the world, especially in the LGBTQIA community, and it will be treasured for generations to come.’
The actor also praised her quick wit and recalled how she was one of the ‘funniest and most quotable people’ he had known.
He added: ‘As a friend, you could talk to her about anything. She was the cool older sister you went to for advice, to blow off steam, or to get the hottest take on the latest gossip. Just being in Naya’s presence made you feel protected and regardless of the situation, you knew she’d have your back.
‘She was never afraid to stand up to authority, she always called out mistreatment where she saw it and she always told you the truth — even when it was hard to hear.’
The actor highlighted how Naya’s truest calling was motherhood as he continued: ‘Being a mom was perhaps Naya’s greatest talent of all, and as her final moments proved, Naya was an extraordinary mother until the very end.
‘Naya leaves behind a void that only Naya herself could fill. To have a friend like her, even briefly, is to be blessed beyond belief. She is a shining example of the impact a person can have when one lives fearlessly.’
Chris stated: ‘Her loss is a tragic reminder to celebrate every moment we possibly can with the people we love because the only thing we know for certain about life is how fragile it can be.’
Naya is survived by her four-year-old son Josey, who is now with his father (Naya’s ex-husband) Ryan Dorsey.
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