The late actress Naya Rivera was known for playing Santana Lopez in the hit series "Glee." She passed away on July 8, 2020. The actual cause of her death was an accidental drowning.
On that day, Naya was out boating with her son Josey. Pitting her life against that of her son, she sacrificed both in a heroic action. Though the sadness surrounding her death lives on, it is eclipsed by her image in entertainment circles as a living legend.
Former Marriage To Ryan Dorsey
Previously, Naya Rivera had been married to Ryan Dorsey between July 19, 2014, and June 14, 2018. The couple chose to have a small and intimate wedding in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Naya Rivera and her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey SOURCE: Pinterest
It is perhaps worth mentioning that Naya got involved in this marriage just three months after she had dumped rapper Big Sean. However, that's not the whole story of how the late actress came to know Ryan.
Beginning Phase of Naya and Ryan's Relationship
Naya and Ryan's love story started years before their wedding. During her early years on "Glee," she was even briefly reunited with her former husband. But she ended up wanting to focus on her career and chose instead not to live with him, so they broke it off.
Rivera and Dorsey never really allowed themselves to get very close following this first parting. Only when the actress broke up with Big Sean, did Ryan begin to reach out with his condolences in a major change in their relationship. It was this reconnection that led to their marriage just three months later.
Have a Child Together
On September 17, 2015, Naya Rivera and Dorsey became parents of a beautiful son, Josey Hollis Dorsey. He graduated from kindergarten in 2022 at Chandler Elementary, which is a huge achievement for his age.
Naya Rivera with her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey SOURCE: Naya Rivera Instagram @nayarivera
Ryan, in particular, frequently shares glimpses of their joyous moments on his Instagram. Through these posts, it's evident that Ryan is not just a caring father but also takes immense pride in highlighting his son's achievements and milestones.
The Domestic Violence Case
In 2017, Rivera faced a serious situation when she was charged with domestic violence. It was against her then-husband, Ryan. The incident unfolded as he reported to the police that the late actress had allegedly hit him in the head and face during a heated argument.
The disagreement started after Naya released their then 2-year-old son, Josey's stroller. However, despite the initial charges, Ryan later decided not to press prosecution against her. As a result, the charge was eventually dismissed.
Who is Ryan Dorsey?
Ryan Dorsey is an actor recognized for his roles as Earl in "Justified" and Duquesne 'Dime Bag' Baker on "Ray Donovan." Initially enrolling at Western Carolina University with aspirations of joining the football program and pursuing a major in Theatre, his plans took a turn after just one semester.
Ryan Dorsey in a Photoshoot SOURCE: Ryan Dorsey Instagram @dorseyryan
After spending a year at West Virginia University, Ryan decided to make a bold move to New York City. Following a successful audition, he gained admission to The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, marking a significant step in his pursuit of an acting career.
Dealing with Naya's Death
In the aftermath of Naya's tragic death, Ryan Dorsey, as reported in People, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring the happiness of their son, Josey. Surrounded by a supportive network of family, which includes Naya's sister and Ryan's parents, they have worked together to navigate the challenges of finding a new normal.
Despite the considerable time it took, their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Ryan is widely recognized as a loving and devoted father. Josey continues to thrive in this nurturing environment and is praised for his intelligence. Their home is adorned with cherished memories, featuring pictures of Naya with her son, a testament to their shared love.
Previous Engagement with Big Sean
The love history of Naya Rivera also encompasses an engagement with rapper Big Sean. In 2013 their romance took off, and the two of them became engaged in October of the same year.
Naya Rivera's ex-fiancé, Big Sean SOURCE: Big Sean Instagram @bigsean
Naya and Sean's love story began on the internet as the former lovebirds first met on Twitter. The two first got to know each other within the confines of 140 characters on the popular social media platform. Virtual courtship led to an in-person meeting and the two made arrangements to get together for a real date.
Yet despite this excitement, Naya and Big Sean's engagement was short-lived. In April 2014, the two agreed to split up, as reported in Showbiz Cheatsheet. She then famously married her former husband, Ryan just three months later.
Troubled Relationship with Big Sean
There were all the reasons circulating on the internet for why Naya and Big Sean broke up. As reported in an article from Daily Mail, the rapper canceled his wedding plans with this late actress because she was overbearing, and he could no longer take it.
The situation was made worse when Naya claimed that the rapper had stolen a Rolex from her home. But TMZ reported that the premium watch was owned by the rapper, who had loaned it to her and did not expect she would have kept it permanently.
Further, there were charges of infidelity, and Rivera and Sean would often quarrel. She had been known to break things during arguments. One time it was even on TMZ when she smashed a lamp after accusing the rapper of spending the night with another woman at his house. But as a result, their relationship was doomed from the beginning.
Dating History of Naya Rivera
Naya Rivera's personal history also reveals something of the range of her relationships with people. In 2017, she was attached to David Spade. Before that, she shared a connection with Matthew Hodgson from 2011 to 2013, and she also had a brief relationship with Douglas Booth in 2011.
In 2009, Naya was associated with Cory Monteith, showcasing the diversity of her romantic interests. Mark Salling was another significant figure in her love life, with a relationship lasting from 2007 to 2010.
Going further back, Naya dated Tahj Mowry from 2000 to 2004, showcasing her experiences in both long-term and shorter-term relationships. Her dating history reveals a journey marked by diverse connections and experiences.
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