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About UsAdvertiseInvestor RelationsJobsNewslettersEditionUSUKAustraliaBrasilCanadaDeutschlandIndiaJapanLatamCalifornia residents can opt out of "sales" of personal data.Do Not Sell My Personal Information © 2022 BuzzFeed, Inc PressRSSPrivacyConsent PreferencesUser TermsAccessibility StatementAd ChoicesHelpContactSitemapBuzzFeed NewsReporting on what you care about. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing.BuzzFeed TastySearch, watch, and cook every single Tasty recipe and video ever - all in one place!BuzzFeed GoodfulSelf care and ideas to help you live a healthier, happier life.BuzzFeed Bring MeObsessed with travel? Discover unique things to do, places to eat, and sights to see in the best destinations around the world with Bring Me!BuzzFeed As IsSomething for everyone interested in hair, makeup, style, and body positivity.Celebrity·Posted 12 minutes agoAmber Riley Is Sick And Tired Of People Calling Her "Mercedes," The Name Of Her "Glee" Character
"Basic human decency is to recognize me as a person and use my actual name."
by Emily Mae CzachorBuzzFeed Staff
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Most of us know Amber Riley — actor, recording artist, celebrated stage performer, and Grammy nominee to boot with quite an expansive resume and also the voice of an angel. Back in the day, you probably watched her on Glee.
Frazer Harrison / Getty Images
Amber, who periodically uses her stage name RILEY for contemporary credits, initially rose to fame when the musical comedy-drama series debuted in 2009.
Fox / FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
She was cast as Mercedes Jones, a lead role on the show and frontrunner in its fictional glee club. Amber appeared in Glee throughout all six seasons, until the finale in 2015.
Fox / FOX Image Collection via Getty Images
Since then she's landed the iconic part of Effie in the West End's production of Dreamgirls, won Dancing With the Stars, and launched a solo music career. But for some reason, people still refer to Amber by her former Glee character's name.
Nbc / NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
This apparently happens often enough for Amber to address it outright. She recently took to Twitter to share her frustration and urge anyone who's thinking about calling her Mercedes to, please, reconsider.
Paul Archuleta / Getty Images
"I despise when ppl call me Mercedes. Put some respect on my name," Amber wrote. "Call me AMBER or RILEY. It's wild that I even have to say that." (It really is.) "No shade to the show/character that gave me a career, but please stop this shit," she continued. "I don't answer to it, and if you do it facetiously I'll block you."
Amber Patrice Riley @MsAmberPRileyI despise when ppl call me Mercedes. Put some respect on my name. Call me AMBER or RILEY. It’s wild that I even have to say that. No shade to the show/character that gave me a career, but please stop this shit. I don’t answer to it, and if you do it facetiously I’ll block you.
10:34 PM - 15 Jan 2022
Reply Retweet Favorite@MsAmberPRiley / Via Twitter: @MsAmberPRiley
"I've done too much in my career to be reduced to one role," she added.
Amber Patrice Riley @MsAmberPRileyI’ve done too much in my career to be reduced to one role. Whether you respect the work I’ve done or not, I don’t really care, BUT basic human decency is to recognize me as a person and use my actual name. Boundaries