If you think back to your first love, you always remember them and little things always remind you of them.
Naya RiveraI definitely knew that I loved acting from the very beginning. I was such a ham growing up. Wherever the camera was, I wanted to be right in front of it.
Naya RiveraI can relate to girls with self esteem issues because growing up in this industry there is the side of you that is obsessed with perfection. You want to please everyone because if you don't, you won't get the job. There is always someone prettier, smarter, or a better actor that you. You start to nit-pick everything. That perfectionism kicks in and it can take over your life if you let it. You have to get comfortable with yourself. Then, if you get the job, it is an added bonus.
Naya RiveraGoing to regular public high school and working and auditioning was really, really tough. I never really fit in and hit the stride that all the other kids were on. Instead of going out and hanging out with my friends at that age, I remember being in my bedroom and putting on like a Christina Aguilera tape and just like belting. And seeing if I could hit every single note just like her.
Naya RiveraBe kind to people, do the best that you can do and donโt compromise yourself for anyone else and youโll end up being the best person, trust me.
Naya RiveraMusic is one of my greatest loves. I don't think I would be able to live without music in my life.
Naya RiveraAside from being a Latina, my family immigrated from Puerto Rico and Yugoslavia so I know all about that. I wouldnโt be able to do what I do today if they didnโt come to America. Everybody has an immigration story.
Naya RiveraI watch Pretty Little Liars with my best friend Telly. We go to each other's houses when it airs and we watch it.
Naya RiveraThere are always going to be things you donโt like about yourself or reasons to compare yourself to others, but once you realize that you only get one you, itโs best to just love yourself.
Naya RiveraHonestly, I never thought I'd actually be playing a teen lesbian. I didn't think it was going to go this far. But I'm glad that it did, because there have been a lot of fans who have expressed that they've been going through similar situations in their lives.
Naya RiveraWe've all been hurt by words before. So before you speak, think about how your words might affect someone else.
Naya RiveraThe day that I got the phone call to tell me that I booked โGleeโ I was shooting โCSI Miami.โ I was playing this heroin addictโฆIโd been on a million auditions where I sang and looked exactly the same way and didnโt do anything different. And so for this to be the one that popped it was just like what happened? It was the perfect timing and the perfect role for me. It was like everything came together.
Naya Rivera