12 GLEE Stars Who Have Tony Awards + San Antonio Elects 1st Out Mayor + More News

Darren Criss wins Tony Award for "Maybe Happy Ending"

Some news items you might have missed:

OUT: As of 2025, twelve actors who played characters on GLEE have Tony Awards. Hit the link to see the list including this year’s winner for “Best Leading Actor in a Musical.”

LGBTQ Nation: Air Force veteran Gina Ortiz Jones has become the first out LGBTQ+ person elected as mayor of San Antonio, Texas, and only the third woman to hold the office. Continue reading “12 GLEE Stars Who Have Tony Awards + San Antonio Elects 1st Out Mayor + More News”

Remembering LA Blade’s Troy Masters + More News

Troy Masters (via Facebook)

Some news items I thought worth your time: • Los Angeles Blade: Journalist Karen Ocamb pens this loving tribute to LA Blade founder Troy Masters (above with his beloved Cody) who died on December 11 by suicide. Over his career, Masters launched several important LGBTQ publications including QW (Queer Week), LGNY (which became Gay City News), and the LA Blade. Continue reading “Remembering LA Blade’s Troy Masters + More News”

Trailer for New Docu-Series ‘The Price Of GLEE’

ID recently released the official trailer of the upcoming docu-series The Price of Glee, which explores the new-found fame of the young cast of the hit Fox musical series as well as the deaths of series stars Cory Monteith, Mark Salling and Naya Rivera. Continue reading “Trailer for New Docu-Series ‘The Price Of GLEE’”

Kurt Colfer Was ‘Terrified’ To Play Gay On GLEE

GLEE star Kurt Colfer
GLEE star Kurt Colfer (image via Instagram)
Chris Colfer shared with fellow GLEE alums Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz during an appearance on their And That’s What You Really Missed podcast that he was initially “terrified” to play gay on the  hit TV comedy/drama series. Continue reading “Kurt Colfer Was ‘Terrified’ To Play Gay On GLEE”

GLEE Was Written With Justin Timberlake In Mind + More News

Justin Timberlake (image via Depositphotos)
Some news items you might have missed: • Out: In a recent episode of the podcast And That’s What You REALLY Missed, GLEE creator Ryan Murphy revealed the role of Mr. Schuester (played by Matthew Morrison) was originally written with Justin Timberlake in mind. And the character was conceived as a meth addict… Continue reading “GLEE Was Written With Justin Timberlake In Mind + More News”

Behind The Scenes (And Controversies) Of GLEE + More News

The cast of GLEE (courtesy Fox)
Some news items you might have missed: • Out: Discovery+ has announced a new three-part docu-series that will go behind the scenes (and controversies) of Fox’s groundbreaking and wildly popular teen musical TV show GLEE. Continue reading “Behind The Scenes (And Controversies) Of GLEE + More News”

GLEE Star Shades Lea Michele When Asked About ‘Funny Girl’ + More News

Former GLEE star Chris Colfer threw shade on his former co-star Lea Michele when asked about seeing her in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl.
Lea Michele takes her first bow as Fanny Brice in ‘Funny Girl’ (screen capture)
Some news items you might have missed: • Out: Former GLEE star Chris Colfer threw shade at his former co-star Lea Michele when asked about seeing her in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl. “I can be triggered at home…” Continue reading “GLEE Star Shades Lea Michele When Asked About ‘Funny Girl’ + More News”

GLAAD Media Awards: GLEE Stars To Reunite In Tribute To Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez in GLEE

Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez in GLEE
Naya Rivera as Santana Lopez in GLEE (image via Fox)
The cast of iconic series GLEE will reunite for a special tribute to the legacy of the late Naya Rivera’s character Santana Lopez. Jacob Artist, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Vanessa Lengies, Jane Lynch, Kevin McHale, Heather Morris, Matthew Morrison, Alex Newell, Amber Riley, Harry Shum Jr., Becca Tobin, and Jenna Ushkowitz will come together during the 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards to honor the 10th anniversary of Santana’s coming out on the show. And that’s not all – the cast will be joined by global superstar Demi Lovato, who played Santana’s girlfriend on GLEE, to introduce the special tribute. Tune in for the premiere on April 8th at 8:00 P.M. on YouTube, or stream on Hulu starting at 10:00 P.M. Remembering just a little bit of the fabulous Ms. Rivera as Santana in GLEE.

(via press release)

GLEE’s Heather Morris Shares Touching Tribute To Naya Rivera

L-R Naya Rivera, Heather Morris (image via Fox)
Actress and dancer Heather Morris has shared a touching tribute to her former GLEE costar Naya Rivera, who played her on-screen wife, Santana Lopez, on the hit series. Santana’s body was found in a Southern California lake where she apparently drowned saving the life of her young 4-year-old son. Morris, who played out bisexual character Brittany Pierce on the series, honored Rivera in an emotional letter posted to her Instagram on Wednesday. Noting their friendship had “a bit of a rocky phase” here and there, Morris captures the nuances of what she describes as “the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding.” What strikes me the most about the personal message is that instead of generic ‘grief and sadness’ tones, Morris shares specific life moments between Rivera and herself like gifts of oranges left at front doors and the reason why she didn’t post a photo of the two together in her tribute. I won’t do it justice, so I encourage you to read it for yourself.

We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding.

The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them every day and think of you.

I still listen to your EP on repeat because from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice. You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them.

You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food. We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life.

You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient, and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted.

We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing because we shared that kind of pride and joy.

So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goofballs for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I.

I speak to you every day because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.

 

 

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We started out as the closest friends and then like all new things, we went through a bit of a rocky phase. However, we stuck by each other’s side and created the most beautiful friendship built out of love and understanding. The last I had the chance to see you in person, I had left oranges outside our home for you to take. I wanted to say hi through the window but my phone didn’t ring when you called (which it never does, f*cking T-Mobile), so instead you and Josey left two succulents on our doorstep as a thank you. I planted those succulents and I look at them everyday and think of you. I still listen to your EP on repeat because from the moment I heard it, it struck me and I always wished the world knew more of your voice. You sent me over 5 dozen SnapChat videos when you and Josey woke up in the morning and I kick myself that I didn’t save one of them. You always shared recipes and I admired your love for food. We vowed to spend every Easter together, even though Covid stole this last one from us. You are and always will be the strongest and most resilient human being I know, and I vowed to carry that with me as I continue to live my life. You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient and about not giving a fuck (but still somehow respectful ). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend. You were the first to check in, the first to ask questions, the first to listen..you cherished our friendship and I never took that for granted. We never took photos together because we mutually hated taking pictures…our relationship meant more than proof. I have countless pictures of our babies playing, because we shared that kind of pride and joy. So I’m showing the world a photo of our little goof balls for you, because I know that meant more than anything and they remind me of you and I. I speak to you everyday because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.

A post shared by Heather Morris (@heatherrelizabethh) on

It’s important to note that Rivera’s performance as the tough-as-nails Santana gave LGBTQ Puerto Ricans a rare moment of proud representation on television. The 33-year-old actress had also appeared on the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family” and in the comedy film “The Master of Disguise.” Her most recent role was in the YouTube Red series Step Up, based on the movie franchise. Other castmates have offered their messages of sympathy via social media as well.  

News Round-Up: July 13, 2020

Jwan Yosef (via Instagram)
Some news items you might have missed: • ManCrush Monday: That time when Ricky Martin’s other half, Jwan Yosef (above), showed off his ‘baby lifting arms.’ #dangGold Derby: Openly gay former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has been entered for Emmy consideration in the category of Best Comedy Guest Actor for his guest-hosting stint on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” • CNN: The body of former GLEE actress Naya Rivera, 33, who was missing since Wednesday, has been found floating in a Southern California lake. Rivera’s role on GLEE gave queer Puerto Rican representation to millions. She is the third original GLEE cast member to die. In 2013, Cory Monteith died of a drug overdose and Mark Stalling committed suicide in 2018 after being found guilty of possessing child porn. • TheaterMania: Hamilton has become the first cast recording to reach the top two on the Billboard 200 albums chart since 1969 thanks to the musical’s premiere on Disney+. In 1969, the original cast recording of Hair spent 13 weeks in the no. 1 slot. Hamilton had previously peaked in the no. 3 position back in 2016, tying with The Book of Mormon. • Miami Herald: Florida resident Joseph Fucheck is facing criminal charges for waving a pistol at a Black homeowner in North Miami-Dade while claiming to be a 35-year Navy SEAL veteran. Except – it was a decades-old lie perpetrated by Fucheck. The Navy SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, which maintains paperwork for all SEALs since World War II, has no record of him. • CBS17: An Arkansas police officer told a colleague he would ‘shoot any protesters’ who might come to his door. But Calvin Salyers, 33, has now been charged with manslaughter after shooting through his door on June 3 killing a fellow police officer who dropped by to pick up a patrol car. • Podcast of the Day: A podcast about gay TV,  Gayest Episode Ever, explores LGBT+ themed one-off episodes that classic sitcoms (like The Golden Girls, Frasier, and Cheers) would do back in the day when it was rare to see queer characters represented on broadcast television. The podcast – hosted by Drew Mackie, a journalist, and Glen Lakin, a screenwriter – offers insight into the evolution of queer visibility, gay rights, and how culture can both affect — and BE affected by — what we see on TV. The episode below dissects a 1977 episode of Maude when Bea Arthur’s title character argued with her neighbor Arthur over the opening of a gay bar in town.