Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz recall the first glimpse of Naya Rivera and her amazing talent. Listen to the story.
First Look
Naya Rivera was always special to the cast of “Glee.”
Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz dedicated a special episode of their popular Rewatch podcast And That’s What You REALLY Missed, to Naya.
The two recalled that when Naya first did her Monica impression, they knew right away—there was something special about her.
The Magic of a Monica Impression
Backstage at “The Boy Is Mine,” Naya’s Monica impression was so perfect that Kevin and Jenna immediately showed it to Ryan Murphy.
“She would just sit down and let out a unique cackle and the whole room would burst into laughter,” Jenna says.
“We had no idea she was so fun-loving, but then we realized that was a big part of her creativity,” says Kevin.
The Hidden Singing
Along with the impression, there was another surprise—her voice.
Kevin admitted, “We didn’t know Naya was such a great singer.
When she sang in the studio for the first time, we were all blown away.”
Jenna added, “After that scene, Ryan said, ‘Use this superpower.’ This proves that talent never stays hidden.”
Santana’s avatar
By becoming Santana Lopez, Naya played a strong character beyond her previous image.
Kevin said, “She got such a complex role—powerful, sensitive and comedic—but Naya made it look effortless.”
Jenna laughed and said, “She never seemed to be stressed, but her power on screen was worth watching.”
Backstage fun
In the midst of pack-up, rechecks and rehearsals, hardly anyone could believe that Naya was so light-hearted.
Jenna remembers, “She would constantly make us laugh in every break—some impression, some funny video, then everyone’s energy would be refreshed.”
Kevin said, “She was truly the source of laughter in our family.”
Responsibility and humility
When people asked, “How did she manage to be on such a popular series?”
Kevin always replied, “Look, she never looked like she was trying too hard.”
Jenna explained, “She would come on set, do her job and make sure everyone knew what was needed next.
She was such a professional that her work was appreciated on its own.”
Lasting impression
Both Kevin and Jenna agree that Naya never made a fuss about her talent.
In Kevin’s words, “She spoke directly from her craft.”
Jenna concluded, “Her magic was in her humility—just making the world a better place because of her gifts.”
Naya Rivera will be missed at the heart of “Glee.”
Her ‘undeniable’ talent played a unique sound not just on the screen, but in our hearts as well, that time cannot erase.