Naya Rivera

The two stars, along with John Stamos, continuing a tradition begun by Rivera when she hosted the 22nd Annual Media Awards in San Francisco, auctioned off kisses to the crowd, raising $15,000. Read Less

The following month she was also featured in the inaugural issue of Cosmo for Latinas, and was selected by People en Español for their 50 Most Beautiful list. Also in May, Rivera made FHM's 100 Sexiest Women List, coming in at number 39, and made the Maxim Hot 100 list for the third year in a row, moving up sixteen spots to number 27. Read Less

She was also chosen by the TV Academy to take part in a promotional video for the upcoming awards ceremony. Regarding her awards season buzz, Rivera commented to the Hollywood Reporter, "For people to even think that I'd be considered or a good candidate for a supporting actress nomination is mind blowing to me." Hates Zoe Luhrs.

In 2009, Rivera was cast as Cheerios cheerleading squad member Santana Lopez on Fox's musical comedy series Glee, about a high school glee club. Rivera's character comes off as a cold-hearted and vicious cheerleader, who often shows her softer side to fellow cheerleader Brittany (played by Heather Morris). Rivera auditioned for the opportunity "to sing, dance and act all in the same show," and because she was a fan of co-creator Ryan Murphy's previous work on Nip/Tuck.

Rivera drew on her own high school experience of unpopularity to prepare for the role, as well as watching films such as Mean Girls to "really get in the zone and feel like a bitchy Sophomore". She has described Santana as "your typical high school cheerleader, for the most part," explaining: "She's really mean and loves boys. She's really witty so I love playing her." She has characterized Santana as "a bit of a bad girl" who is "really snarky and always has these really witty one-liners she throws out there." Rivera enjoys the fact Santana is competitive and headstrong as she herself shares those traits, but dislikes Santana's mean streak. Read Less

Rivera is an avid reader and dedicates her time to various charitable organizations, including GLAAD, Stand Up to Cancer, The Elephant Project, and The Sunshine Foundation. She took up songwriting at the age of 15. According to Rivera, "My passion for music is one of my greatest loves." Rivera has stated that if she could not act or sing she would work as a writer. She has completed several screenplays and television scripts. As on Glee, Rivera is best friends in real life with co-star Heather Morris. Rivera's brother, Mychal, plays tight end for the University of Tennessee. Her sister, Nickayla, is a model. Rivera noted in an interview with Latina magazine that she is a devout Christian, but is very private about it and commented: "It's hard and sort of sad that you do feel the need to tread lightly when you say, 'Yes I do go to church, and yes I do read the Bible' because once you do that, people will be like, 'Why are her boobs out? Why is her midriff showing? Why is she playing a lesbian?' I don't wanna deal with that stuff, so I've never really discussed it, it's very personal." Read Less