Amber Riley feels “grateful” for her “Glee” experience.
The actor starred as Mercedes Jones on the hit TV series between 2009 and 2015. She remains incredibly proud of the show, describing it as a “groundbreaking” production.
“It’s incredible, like, that’s my family,” Riley — who starred alongside the likes of Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele — told “Entertainment Tonight.” “We did something that was groundbreaking. I’m always grateful to ‘Glee’ for being the catapult for my whole entire career, and for giving me such a vast knowledge and vocabulary of music.”
Riley has starred in many films and TV shows in recent years, and she admits that “Glee” has been a huge influence on her career.
“This is why I love so many different genres now because of ‘Glee’. I’m so grateful for it,” she shared.
Meanwhile, Riley previously confessed that her “Glee” experience changed her outlook on music.
The actor admitted to being “grateful” for the opportunity to star in the TV show, which centered on a glee club at a fictional school.
“It was my first job, and I’m grateful for it,” she told Pop Sugar.
“I had a lot of fun. I made friends that turned into family, learned a lot of lessons, and got to do a lot of stuff that I don’t think most actors or singers ever get to do,” Riley continued. “I lived the life of a rock star and a TV star at a young age. And Mercedes was fun, and she was loud, and she got to be bold and colorful, and Black girls got to see that. And I think I still have a chance to surprise people.”
“I didn’t show all my cards on that show. I’ve gotten to do a movie where I’m not singing, and people are figuring out, ‘Oh, she can act. She can actually act.’ So, I’m grateful for the position that I played on the show,” she added.
