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Get to know Naya Rivera.
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In the first episode of Glee that is set to air in September 2009, viewers get to see a little bit more of the cheerleaders than in the preview that aired on Fox in May. One of the cheerleaders is played by Naya Rivera, who was interviewed by Hollywood the Write Way earlier in the year. To get to know Naya, read the interview below.
Congratulations on getting a role for the Fox television comedy, Glee. So tell me, what was the auditioning process like?
My manager knows that I like to sing and dance so I was called in. I have always wanted to sing and dance in a tv show so she told me that this show would be perfect for me. So I went and sang in all of the auditions and ending up getting the role.
Tell us the main premise of the show and explain your character.
My character’s name is Santana. She is a cheerleader and in a really competitive cheerleading group called “The Cheerios” on campus. She is really popular and part of this celibacy club and whatnot. She has a mean streak and does not like the character, Rachel.
For the character that you play, what is your favorite or least favorite characteristic?
My favorite would probably be the fact that she is so competitive because I have that same character trait. She is headstrong. My least favorite part would be her mean streak. I can be a bit mean at times but not to the point where I ruin people’s lives. (laughs) It is fun to play though.
In what ways are you and your character similar and not alike?
She loves to perform and so do I but I am not an evil plotter. She is a really big follower just to stay popular and I definitely did not do that in high school.
If you were not playing your character, what other character would you like to play?
Probably Rachel. (Just as Lea Michele walks into the hair and makeup trailer and says hi over the telephone). That was her, just now. She is loud and boisterous and everything. She is really talented in Broadway so I would probably want to do that.
What sports and clubs were you in during high school?
No, I didn’t do anything in high school. My mom made me join choir for a couple of weeks freshman year but I didn’t like it so I quit. All I did was go out for auditions and try to get jobs.
What has it been like being able to work with both talented actors and singers, some of which have Broadway credits?
It is totally different, I have never gotten to do this. They are so talented.
When did you realize that you were interested in acting as a career?
I was around 6 years old. My mom got me into acting and I never thought of doing anything else.
Out of all of the films and television shows you have appeared on so far, what has been your favorite filming location?
I would say this one. The Paramount lot is awesome. I actually worked on this lot when I was 5 years old so it is a blast from the past.
What is your nationality?
I am half Puerto Rican, a quarter German, and a quarter African American.
When did you start songwriting?
Really heavily around 15 years old. I needed an outlet to get things out. I was a big journal logger. I look back at the journals and it is really embarrassing. (laughs) I like so and so but he doesn’t like me stuff.
Have you always lived in LA?
Yes, for the most part. I grew up in Valencia which is not too far away.
What are your favorite hangout spots in LA?
Everywhere. I like clubs and lounges. I love Les Deux. I can drink now so anywhere! (I hear a cheer in the background)
What did you do for your 22nd birthday (January 12)?
I didn’t really do anything. I just went to The Melting Pot with a couple of friends. I went to Vegas for my 21st so I thought I should lay low for this one.
Back to Glee really quick, do you have the same style as your character?
Definitely not. We wear the same thing all the time, our cheerleading uniform and a side ponytail.
A few years ago, what was it like working on The Bernie Mac Show?
It was so much fun. I actually got hired as a one time Guest Star but they brought me back for about 5 more episodes. It was so much fun. Bernie (Mac) was so funny and it was really sad when I found out that he passed. Camille Winbush was really sweet and fun to work with.
To read the interview Hollywood the Write Way conducted with Cory Monteith, click here.
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