In the wake of "Glee" actor Cory Monteith's death, co-star Naya Rivera is opening up about the importance of the show that shot them both to fame in the new issue of Complex Magazine.
"Having gay characters makes a difference, especially when you are a teenager and you need people to look up to," she said of the show, which is known for maturely portraying same-sex relationships. "Your world feels so small. The tiniest thing can make you think, 'I'm gonna die!' I'm glad Glee is around for people dealing with something that big in such a small world. It's important."
As Rivera points out the FOX hit's social relevance, production on the musical comedy is in question following the death of Monteith, who died Saturday of a lethal combination of heroin and alcohol.
While producers have yet to release an official announcement about the show, which also stars Monteith's girlfriend Lea Michele, reports speculate that production may be delayed for up to two months.
"The entire 'Glee' family and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy," Rivera said in a statement. "Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed. My heart goes out to Cory's family and Lea and while we are grateful for everyone's well wishes, privacy during this time of grief is greatly appreciated."
"Glee" has been a huge hit, taking home tons of awards, including four golden globes, since its premiere in 2009, but Rivera insists she was unsure about her future on the series when it first began.
"I was still a nanny up until the third episode of season one. I didn't work that much and I didn't know if I would still be around," Rivera told Complex about her early days playing "Glee's" sassy cheerleader Santana Lopez.
As the show faces more uncertainty, experts are weighing in on how execs should handle changes to the story line following Monteith's death.
"I don't think (the death) will hurt the show, assuming they handle it right," TV historian Tim Brooks told USA Today. "The show can certainly survive it and can perhaps even fashion a tribute in a way that honors not only him but something viewers can learn from."
Click here to see the rest of Rivera's Complex interview.
