Lea Michele: He made me feel ‘unstoppable’
Cory Monteith’s girlfriend praises fallen star
The grieving girlfriend of Glee star Cory Monteith says the Canadian actor was the rock that gave her confidence to take on the world.
In her last comments before Monteith’s death on July 13 from an overdose of heroin and alcohol, Lea Michele spoke of the unshakable bond that existed between the two, who starred as boyfriend and girlfriend in the hit musical series.
Speaking to the Mexican edition of Marie Claire magazine, she said: “He is the best person I know. He has made my life so incredible and I am so thankful for him and not only to have him as a partner but also as a co-worker.”
The 26-year-old actress, who appears on the magazine’s August cover, added: “It is important to have someone that supports and encourages you, someone that makes you feel that you are unstoppable, that you can do anything in the world because you have him.”
The magazine’s editor-in-chief, Ariadne Grant, said Monteith made a surprise appearance during the photo shoot.
“Cory showed up in great spirits and was very nice to everybody there,” she said. “He even took pictures with whoever asked for it.
“He just asked for a Coke and stayed there watching the shooting until it was done.
“They were both very nice and obviously happy and in love.”
Grant said the magazine’s thoughts are with Michele’s family.
Michele will return to work with her Glee co-stars for three episodes in September, one of which is being planned as a tribute to Monteith, who played charming jock Finn Hudson.
Glee’s executive producer, Ryan Murphy, has told various news outlets that the tribute would address the death of Finn and would air as the season’s third episode. The first two episodes of the season had already been written.
After the tribute, Murphy added, the high-school musical series will go on a hiatus to reconsider its direction.
When Glee debuted in 2009, it was an instant hit. From the beginning, Monteith and Michele’s characters were set as love interests that overcame obstacles to be together.
Glee airs on the U.S. network Fox and on Global in Canada. The upcoming season will be its fifth.