Naya Rivera Covers Latina Magazine's October 2013 Hollywood Hot List

[Durrand Robinson]

Glee star Naya Rivera tells Latina about her relationship with rapper Big Sean and outlines how she stays grounded while skyrocketing to fame in the October 2013 issue of Latina, which hits newsstands and Nook Newsstand on September 10, 2013.

Rivera tells Latina how she began acting and modeling as a toddler, and how her mother kept her motivated and focused when she despaired in her late teens before scoring the groundbreaking role of Santana Lopez on Glee. The actress also talks about recording her debut pop album, including its first single, which also features Rivera’s boyfriend, G.O.O.D. Music rapper Big Sean.

On how the cast of Glee is recovering from Monteith’s sudden death: “We’re definitely taking it day by day. Everybody’s really just leaning on each other and trying to do good work.”

On following in Jennifer Lopez’s footsteps: “It’s insane how gorgeous she is. Jennifer Lopez is a perfect example of what it means to be a mogul and have longevity, but still have people like you. She can do this until she chooses not to anymore. I hope I can say that one day.”

On having a very public relationship with Big Sean, whom she first met on Twitter: “We know so many who are in the public eye dating somebody, and they ’re going in through back entrances and won’t make eye contact with each other. That’s just not us.”

On becoming comfortable with her mixed-race heritage: “It used to hold me back when I was younger. Casting directors didn’t understand what I was. I wasn’t black enough, or Latina enough—I kind of fell through the cracks.”