Naya Rivera's Greatest 'Glee' Moments

By Michael Hein - March 27, 2022 05:12 pm EDT

Naya Rivera's family has finally settled its wrongful death lawsuit after the actress drowned in July of 2020, and now fans are revisiting the actress' work all over again. Rivera starred in the Fox sitcom Glee, and she had some of the most relatable moments of the entire series. Here's a look back on Santana Lopez's top moments.

Rivera went missing in Lake Piru in Ventura County, California in July of 2020, swept away from her 4-year-old son Josey in the water. According to a report by Fox News, her family reached a settlement with the Ventura County Parks and Recreation Management earlier this month. This will not only bring emotional closure but some financial stability for Josey and the recovering family. Meanwhile, fans continue to reflect on Rivera's work.

Rivera was in the original main cast of Glee, playing the spiteful cheerleader Santana. She brought depth to a character that many were prepared to write off as a sidekick, and she continued to grow over the course of several years. Fans watched Santana come out of the closet as a lesbian, grow into her confidence as a singer and dancer, and even move on past high school.

Since Rivera's passing, many have reflected on how much this representation meant to them when they were younger. They have shared poignant highlights from the show — particularly Rivera's haunting cover of "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry, which was a tribute to cast member Cory Monteith following his own untimely death.

Many other moments from Glee are relevant to Rivera and her mourners, however. Fans have gone back to revisit both the good and the bad, encapsulating Rivera's range on-screen. Here is a look at some of the highlights fans are focused on.

If I Die Young

This gave me chills.. RIP Naya Rivera 💔 2020 has been so much pic.twitter.com/yenUpGdFOY
— Drebae💎 (@Drebae_) July 13, 2020

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Santana Coming Out

THIS was the scene that changed my life. Naya made it feel so real & genuine. I used to watch this on repeat as a young closeted lesbian so that I would feel less alone. I knew that if I came out, I would be disowned/kicked out. Thank you naya rivera. I love you. pic.twitter.com/4yS2udEYpY
— nadia ツ (@fineIinelesbian) July 13, 2020

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Don't Rain on My Parade

I’m going to miss Naya Rivera, and to honor her, here’s my favorite #Glee performance of hers. pic.twitter.com/RJWbIj8zTw
— Nick Valdez (@Valdezology) July 14, 2020

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Valerie

I loved this performance so much and Santana was my favorite. 💔 #NayaRivera pic.twitter.com/Jw2hWl9gzS
— Travis Sandoval (@trvsndvl) July 14, 2020

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Santana & Brittany

No one, NO ONE, did it like Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez.pic.twitter.com/3tj3pmKXOd
— Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) July 13, 2020

growing up, glee meant a lot to me because santana and brittany’s relationship was the first time that i had ever viewed LGBT representation in the media.

still, naya was more than a character and my heart aches for her family and friends. rip angel❤️ #NayaRivera pic.twitter.com/oSNE5E9prA
— S (@skettxr) July 13, 2020

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Rumor Has It/Someone Like You

I loved this performance so much and Santana was my favorite. 💔 #NayaRivera pic.twitter.com/Jw2hWl9gzS
— Travis Sandoval (@trvsndvl) July 14, 2020

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Standing Up For Finn

Naya Rivera’s performance in this scene is unforgettable. The fact that her character, Santana, fought for Finn Hudson’s (Cory Monteith) memorial and stood up for herself. The emotions came through. The talent Naya had! #RIPNayaRivera ❤️ pic.twitter.com/VCkpJNfGAF
— 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐞. (@sincerelythapie) July 13, 2020

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Fan-Edits and Highlights

rest easy, naya. 🕊🖤
love you always #NayaRivera pic.twitter.com/tCwCE4A8fB
— glynn (@glynndubil) July 13, 2020

here’s a thread of the best naya rivera’s performances, good memories to remember her ♥️✨pic.twitter.com/xjMOhEtSgW
— 𝚊𝚗𝚊 𝚢𝚎 (@anayye) July 13, 2020

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