Naya Rivera Gets "Glee"ful
March 2009
At 22, Naya Rivera has practically been born into showbiz, having landed her first primetime acting role at the tender age of five in “The Royal Family” starring the late Redd Foxx (“Sanford & Son”) and Della Reese (“Touched by an Angel”). With roles in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Family Matters,” and “The Bernie Mac Show,” Rivera has already worked with legendary talent and now joins genius creator Ryan Murphy’s upcoming hour-long musical comedy series, “Glee.” Rivera talks about the show, set in the world of high school glee clubs, her role, and what viewers can expect of this highly anticipated Fox program.
What appeals to you about acting and your profession?
Basically, the thing that appeals to me most is that I feel like it’s something that I’m really good at and really talented in. When you’re just good at something, it feels good to be good at it, and do it for a living. Also, the fact that I have so much fun when I’m actually working that it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s truly like heaven on Earth.
You were so young when you started acting, do you remember your first gig on “The Royal Family?”
I do, vaguely. It was my very first big television role. Looking back on it, it’s like I didn’t really know what was happening, you know? So it’d be like me just working and shooting and stuff and not really being aware and almost not even being able to appreciate it ‘cause I was so young. But, I do also remember Redd [Foxx], he was amazing. He called me his granddaughter, and he would bring me presents. He did the Arsenio Hall show because that taped right next door to where we were taping, and he had this little custom-made outfit made for me and brought me up during his interview, so I kind of got to get interviewed on a late-night show.
Did you learn anything about co-stars such as Will Smith or Jaleel White while working with them back then?
Juicy secrets? No, I don’t have any secrets on them…just like they’re all amazing, really talented, hilarious people. I mean, I had a little crush on that “Richie” kid (Bryton McClure) from “Family Matters.” We were like little kid boyfriend and girlfriend.
Have you seen his work on “The Young and the Restless?” He won a Daytime Emmy!
He won a Daytime Emmy?! Shut up! Oh my god! I was flipping through the channels, and I was like “that kinda looks like him, but not really” and then I found out it was him, and I don’t really watch [soaps] so, I didn’t know he was still on it, but wow, good for him!
You should totally remind him that you know each other!
Be like, “Hey, remember when I was six, and I danced with you?” (Laughs)
Tell us about your upcoming Fox series, “Glee,” and what we can expect from creator Ryan Murphy, of “Nip/Tuck” fame.
No, you don’t understand. I’m obsessed with “Nip/Tuck,” and I found out we were shooting next door, and a bunch of the cast members came over when we were doing a little dance number. I almost died. I am obsessed! It’s kind of getting in the way of my work and trying to be professional. (Laughs)
Well, then, the all-important question: Are you a Sean or a Christian fan?
I’m a Christian fan, and he was the one that came in. I seriously almost pissed myself ‘cause I’m in love with Christian. Back to your question, yeah, the show’s kind of like “Popular” on steroids meets “High School Musical.” You can expect a lot of really great musical numbers, like Top 40 that everyone’s listening to right now. I think that everyone’s going to really fall in love with the characters ‘cause it’s kind of like a group of misfits. The storylines are awesome, and the fact that we all sing and dance is just the cherry on top.
How would you describe your character, Santana Lopez?
She is really competitive ‘cause she’s part of the cheerleading squad. They’re called the Cheerios, so they’re super intense. I think she’s a bit of a flirt, a heartbreaker. She thinks that people are kind of disposable. She’s kind of a follower, too. She does whatever her best friend, Rachel, wants her to do.
Will we get to see you on every episode?
Not every episode yet, but hopefully the majority.
Do you have a favorite of the songs you’ve performed so far?
I do have a favorite song. I didn’t perform it, one of the other cast members did. It’s Jazmine Sullivan. It’s a song called “Bust Your Windows.” I was pretty stoked when I found out someone was going to be doing it so I could listen to it over and over again.
Do you have preference for either acting or singing?
It’s hard to pick one or the other. I feel really blessed that I get to do all of those things on this show.
How would you describe your vocal style?
Hmm, good one. My voice is kind of like Aaliyah-esque, with a little bit more range. Normally, I sing pop, R&B-type stuff.
What do you do in your spare time? As a television actress, do you get to watch much TV?
Oh yeah, I definitely do. I’m a TV junkie with a couple shows. I call it “doing research,” but it’s really just me vegging. I love “Nip/Tuck,” like I said. I never ever missed one episode in all the seasons. I like “Grey’s Anatomy,” that’s my time to cry. “House,” a little bit of that. I try and shop whenever possible. (Laughs) Lately, I just like to chill around the house, since I just moved. I’m enjoying my freedom.
Are you undertaking any upcoming projects?
Things are really focused on “Glee” right now, so I’m trying to get that locked down and really do the best job I can there. At the same time, I’m also recording things, trying to get that off the ground, so hopefully I can have a CD out soon.
Within this year?
I have my fingers crossed. I’m trying to work on it as much as I possibly can, so hopefully, yeah.
Do you have any collaborators you’d like to record with one day?
Hmm, yeah, like almost everyone! Adele. I’m a huge fan of hers. I would love to write songs with her. Also, Justin Timberlake and maybe Britney Spears ‘cause I’m a huge Britney fan.
Are you ready to accept the fame that will undoubtedly come your way once the show airs?
(Laughs) I hope that comes. I think I’ll definitely be prepared. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on what I would do if I actually ever got there.
And lastly, what makes you “glee”ful?
Probably working, getting to do what I love. It makes me giddy, like a twelve-year-old schoolgirl. People are like, “What’s got into her? Oh, she got a job.”
Links: Glee Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
What appeals to you about acting and your profession?
Basically, the thing that appeals to me most is that I feel like it’s something that I’m really good at and really talented in. When you’re just good at something, it feels good to be good at it, and do it for a living. Also, the fact that I have so much fun when I’m actually working that it doesn’t even feel like work. It’s truly like heaven on Earth.
You were so young when you started acting, do you remember your first gig on “The Royal Family?”
I do, vaguely. It was my very first big television role. Looking back on it, it’s like I didn’t really know what was happening, you know? So it’d be like me just working and shooting and stuff and not really being aware and almost not even being able to appreciate it ‘cause I was so young. But, I do also remember Redd [Foxx], he was amazing. He called me his granddaughter, and he would bring me presents. He did the Arsenio Hall show because that taped right next door to where we were taping, and he had this little custom-made outfit made for me and brought me up during his interview, so I kind of got to get interviewed on a late-night show.
Did you learn anything about co-stars such as Will Smith or Jaleel White while working with them back then?
Juicy secrets? No, I don’t have any secrets on them…just like they’re all amazing, really talented, hilarious people. I mean, I had a little crush on that “Richie” kid (Bryton McClure) from “Family Matters.” We were like little kid boyfriend and girlfriend.
Have you seen his work on “The Young and the Restless?” He won a Daytime Emmy!
He won a Daytime Emmy?! Shut up! Oh my god! I was flipping through the channels, and I was like “that kinda looks like him, but not really” and then I found out it was him, and I don’t really watch [soaps] so, I didn’t know he was still on it, but wow, good for him!
You should totally remind him that you know each other!
Be like, “Hey, remember when I was six, and I danced with you?” (Laughs)
Tell us about your upcoming Fox series, “Glee,” and what we can expect from creator Ryan Murphy, of “Nip/Tuck” fame.
No, you don’t understand. I’m obsessed with “Nip/Tuck,” and I found out we were shooting next door, and a bunch of the cast members came over when we were doing a little dance number. I almost died. I am obsessed! It’s kind of getting in the way of my work and trying to be professional. (Laughs)
Well, then, the all-important question: Are you a Sean or a Christian fan?
I’m a Christian fan, and he was the one that came in. I seriously almost pissed myself ‘cause I’m in love with Christian. Back to your question, yeah, the show’s kind of like “Popular” on steroids meets “High School Musical.” You can expect a lot of really great musical numbers, like Top 40 that everyone’s listening to right now. I think that everyone’s going to really fall in love with the characters ‘cause it’s kind of like a group of misfits. The storylines are awesome, and the fact that we all sing and dance is just the cherry on top.
How would you describe your character, Santana Lopez?
She is really competitive ‘cause she’s part of the cheerleading squad. They’re called the Cheerios, so they’re super intense. I think she’s a bit of a flirt, a heartbreaker. She thinks that people are kind of disposable. She’s kind of a follower, too. She does whatever her best friend, Rachel, wants her to do.
Will we get to see you on every episode?
Not every episode yet, but hopefully the majority.
Do you have a favorite of the songs you’ve performed so far?
I do have a favorite song. I didn’t perform it, one of the other cast members did. It’s Jazmine Sullivan. It’s a song called “Bust Your Windows.” I was pretty stoked when I found out someone was going to be doing it so I could listen to it over and over again.
Do you have preference for either acting or singing?
It’s hard to pick one or the other. I feel really blessed that I get to do all of those things on this show.
How would you describe your vocal style?
Hmm, good one. My voice is kind of like Aaliyah-esque, with a little bit more range. Normally, I sing pop, R&B-type stuff.
What do you do in your spare time? As a television actress, do you get to watch much TV?
Oh yeah, I definitely do. I’m a TV junkie with a couple shows. I call it “doing research,” but it’s really just me vegging. I love “Nip/Tuck,” like I said. I never ever missed one episode in all the seasons. I like “Grey’s Anatomy,” that’s my time to cry. “House,” a little bit of that. I try and shop whenever possible. (Laughs) Lately, I just like to chill around the house, since I just moved. I’m enjoying my freedom.
Are you undertaking any upcoming projects?
Things are really focused on “Glee” right now, so I’m trying to get that locked down and really do the best job I can there. At the same time, I’m also recording things, trying to get that off the ground, so hopefully I can have a CD out soon.
Within this year?
I have my fingers crossed. I’m trying to work on it as much as I possibly can, so hopefully, yeah.
Do you have any collaborators you’d like to record with one day?
Hmm, yeah, like almost everyone! Adele. I’m a huge fan of hers. I would love to write songs with her. Also, Justin Timberlake and maybe Britney Spears ‘cause I’m a huge Britney fan.
Are you ready to accept the fame that will undoubtedly come your way once the show airs?
(Laughs) I hope that comes. I think I’ll definitely be prepared. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on what I would do if I actually ever got there.
And lastly, what makes you “glee”ful?
Probably working, getting to do what I love. It makes me giddy, like a twelve-year-old schoolgirl. People are like, “What’s got into her? Oh, she got a job.”
Links: Glee Official Site | Facebook | Twitter
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