In the month since actor Naya Rivera’s drowning many people have been struggling with the tragedy of her death. In a new video, Rivera’s Glee costar, Heather Morris, has opened up about how she’s been feeling mourning Rivera and acknowledged the importance of their character’s relationship for queer representation on TV.
In the tearful video, Morris explained that she’s been “feeling very heavy” with an “aching” in her heart to connect with her fans, as well as with “everybody who’s been feeling a little lost, a little confused during this time.”
In the video captioned simply, “You’re not alone,” she also noted how important the characters she and Rivera played on Glee were to people. Morris played the cheerleader Brittany, who was Rivera’s character Santana’s closest friend, girlfriend and eventually wife after their characters married on the show. It was one of the first times we got to watch an openly lesbian high school relationship on TV and their ship ‘Brittana’ became one of the most adored on the show.
“I don’t need to explain what the importance of Santana and Brittany’s relationship was to all of you who are watching because most of you felt like it was your gateway into your current life,” Morris said. “Most of you felt like it was an inspiration to become your best self.”
“We both knew how special that was,” Morris continued. “I think she knew a little bit more than I did. I really felt it a lot later with all the messages and all the people reaching out. I knew the writers also knew that, as well. They were basically writing for the fans.”
Morris also thanked Glee fans for how they shaped the character’s storyline. “I think the fans were such a huge impact on our storyline. And, I want to thank you all for being such advocates and so supportive of Santana and Brittany’s relationship. Because without you guys, it never would have existed. You guys helped create something for the writers and for Naya and I that made an impact that will last a lifetime and beyond that.”
Through her tears, the actress also offered some things that have been helping her grieve: talking aloud and writing a letter to Rivera. Morris finished her video by encouraging people watching to be “gentle and kind to yourself during this time,” and that she hoped the video helps. You can watch it in full below.
In the wake of her death, the Glee creators have pledged to make a college fund for her son. Rivera will also make a final TV appearance in a special Sugar Rush episode recorded before her passing.
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