Naya Rivera honored by ex-husband, 'Glee' cast on what would have been her 34th birthday
Rivera died by accidental drowning in July 2020.
Naya Rivera would have turned 34 on Tuesday, and the cast of "Glee" marked the solemn occasion by honoring the late actress.
Rivera was reported missing on July 9 after her son -- Josey, now 5 -- was found alone in their rented pontoon boat on Lake Piru in California. Her body was recovered on July 13 and her death was ruled an accidental drowning.
Ryan Dorsey, Rivera's ex-husband and Josey's father, issued a tribute by sharing a black-and-white family photo on Instagram.
"Just as surreal as it is real that you're gone. If that makes sense, but none of this still makes any sense...34..I could just hear you saying 'Ah, I'm old AF now!' Ha...Rest easy old lady," he wrote.
Here's how Rivera's former "Glee" castmates honored her memory on her birthday:
Heather Morris
Heather Morris, who played Rivera's on-screen love interest, Brittany, on the Emmy-winning musical dramedy, shared a black-and-white photo of them holding hands on Instagram along with the caption, "Happy Birthday my angel. I can’t write a sappy monologue because it’s just too hard...but I love you and I can’t describe how much I miss you."
Chris Colfer
Chris Colfer, who played Kurt, also took to Instagram to share a photo of them goofing off together. "Happy birthday, babe. Miss you," he said.
Darren Criss
Darren Criss shared a behind-the-scenes glance of Rivera posing by her trailer while filming the popular show. He captioned it with a simple sparkle emoji.
Amber Riley
Amber Riley, who played Mercedes, shared a black-and-white snap with a lengthy caption.
"A little update Naya, earth is REALLY ghetto now!!! Still, I miss you so very much and I wish you were here," Riley wrote. "There hasn’t been a day where you don’t cross my mind, and when you do, I take a moment of silence to remember all the beautiful moments we got to spend together. I’m listening to Amy Winehouse, sippin wine, and eating a very fancy charcuterie in your honor today (don’t worry, I’m checking on mom). HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY ANGEL."
Kevin McHale
Kevin McHale, who played Artie, shared an old photo of the cast out celebrating. He wrote, "Happy birthday, [bee emoji]. No one else could get us to be this messy in public."
Harry Shum Jr.
Harry Shum Jr., who played Mike, shared an image of Rivera from the show and wrote, "What I imagine you doing up there right now. Shinin’ brighter than a star. Happy birthday baby gurl. We miss you."