Amber Riley
| Amber Riley | |
|---|---|
 Amber Riley at a charity appearance in Bryant Park in conjunction with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program. |
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| Born | Amber Patrice Riley February 15, 1986 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer |
| Years active | 2004–present |
Amber Patrice Riley (born February 15, 1986) is an American actress and singer, best known for her role on the series Glee as Mercedes Jones.
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Early life [edit]
Riley was born in Los Angeles, California, the daughter of Tiny (née Hightower) and Elwin Riley.[1] Riley auditioned for American Idol when she was 17 years old, during the show's second season, but was turned down by the producers.[2] Amber graduated from La Mirada High School in La Mirada, California in 2004.[3]
Career [edit]
Riley plays the role of Mercedes Jones on the hit musical comedy-drama Glee. A member of the main cast, she has appeared since the show's pilot, which debuted in May 2009. She has sung numerous solos, including "Respect", "Bust Your Windows", "Hate on Me", "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", "Beautiful", "Bridge over Troubled Water", "I Look to You", "Hell to the No", "Ain't No Way", "Try a Little Tenderness", "Spotlight", "All I Want for Christmas Is You" and, three days after Whitney Houston's death, a tribute version of "I Will Always Love You". In 2011, Riley received an NAACP Image Award nomination for her portrayal of Mercedes; she has won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her acting on Glee, along with the show's ensemble, and has also been nominated for a Teen Choice Award for her acting on the show. Her mother was a member of the choir in the song "Like a Prayer"—Mercedes dances with her—during the first season episode "The Power of Madonna".
On September 12, 2010, Riley appeared at the 2010 MTV VMAs. She sang the national anthem on the opening day of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. Riley is also making a solo album.[4]
Philanthropy [edit]
In 2011, Riley acted as a campaign spokesperson for Do Something and VH1 Save The Music Foundation's second annual "Battle for the Bands." Riley starred in a PSA campaign and engaged fans through social media to participate in the campaign that mobilized young people in the fight for keeping music education in schools.[5] Riley has also teamed up with State Farm's "Celebrate My Drive" campaign to advocate safe awareness for Beginner Drivers, and Encouragement for youth.
Discography [edit]
Glee Cast discography [edit]
- Glee: The Music, Volume 1 (2009)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 2 (2009)
- Glee: The Music, The Power of Madonna (2010)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 3 Showstoppers (2010)
- Glee: The Music, Journey to Regionals (2010)
- Glee: The Music, The Rocky Horror Glee Show (2010)
- Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album (2010)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 4 (2010)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 5 (2011)
- Glee: The Music Presents the Warblers (2011)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 6 (2011)
- Glee: The 3D Concert Movie (Motion Picture Soundtrack) (2011)
- Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Volume 2 (2011)
- Glee: The Music, Volume 7 (2011)
- Glee: The Music, The Graduation Album (2012)
- Glee: The Music Presents Glease (2012)
- Glee: The Music, Season 4, Volume 1 (2012)
Filmography [edit]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | St. Sass | Toby | Television film |
| 2009–present | Glee | Mercedes Jones | Season 1-Present: Series regular Won — Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series (2010) Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2011) Nominated — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series (2012) Pending — NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series (2013) Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer (2010) Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice Music: Group (shared with Glee cast) (2010) Nominated — Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Female Scene Stealer (2011) |
| 2010 | The Simpsons | Aiesha | Episode: "Elementary School Musical" |
| 2011 | Glee: The 3D Concert Movie | Mercedes Jones | Movie |
| 2012 | Struck by Lightning | Unknown Character | Cameo |
| 2012 | VH1 Divas | Herself | Presenter |
References [edit]
- ^ Ingrassia, Lisa (May 17, 2010). "Glee's Amber Riley: "I Love My Body"". People.com. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ "Glee Star Amber Riley On Idol Rejection: "I Still Work On Fox And Get Paid"". Accesshollywood.com. September 30, 2009. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ "Dish Of Salt: Glee Premiere Party, LA (September 8, 2009)". Accesshollywood.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ "GLEEks! Kevin McHale & Amber Riley Are Guest Hosting AT40 This Weekend! - News - American Top 40 With Ryan Seacrest". At40.com. August 10, 2011. Retrieved August 15, 2011.
- ^ "DoSomething.org and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation Announce Winners of the "Battle for the Bands"".
External links [edit]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Amber Riley |
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- 1986 births
- African-American actresses
- African-American female singers
- African-American television actresses
- American Idol participants
- American sopranos
- American television actresses
- Living people
- Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Screen Actors Guild Award winners
- People from Los Angeles, California
- 21st-century American actresses
