Celebrities, fans mourn 31-year-old ‘Glee’ actor Monteith
Tributes from celebrities and fans of the popular television series “Glee” were pouring in on social media Sunday as those who admire Canadian actor Cory Monteith learned of his sudden death.
The 31-year-old actor, who shot to fame as football player and singer Finn Hudson on the popular television series, was found dead at a downtown Vancouver hotel room Saturday.
Police told reporters the cause of death still must be determined, but investigators do not believe foul play was involved.
Once news broke of Monteith’s death, fellow celebrities and “Glee” cast members took to Twitter to express their condolences.
Dot-Marie Jones, who plays Coach Shannon Beiste, wrote, “I am blessed to have worked with him and love him so much. My heart is with his family and our whole ‘Glee’ family. I love you all.”
And Lauren Potter, who plays cheerleader Becky Jackson, said, “I am totally heartbroken right now. I love Cory so much this hurts my heart. I hope my ‘Glee’ family is OK right now. I love them all. Cory was always so nice to me. I have so many good memories.”
Monteith’s co-star and girlfriend Lea Michele, who plays Finn’s girlfriend on-screen, has issued a brief statement, requesting privacy.
Fans from B.C., where Monteith grew up, also mourned the death of the local celebrity.
“When I first saw ‘Glee,’ I was ecstatic for Cory. A local boy and a great guy. My thoughts to his family and friends. He will be remembered,” wrote Vancouver actor Osric Chau.
The executive producers of “Glee” and Fox also issued a statement Saturday night, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”
Acting Vancouver Police Chief Doug LePard told reporters Saturday that Monteith’s body was found around noon after he failed to check out from his room as scheduled.
LePard said the actor had been with some other people in the room the night before, but video and electronic records show that Monteith entered the room by himself on Saturday morning.
His death comes several months after he told People magazine that he had admitted himself into rehab for substance abuse, but police declined to speculate whether there was any connection.
Monteith, who has been open about having suffered from drug addiction when he was younger, was born in Calgary and raised in Victoria, where his mother still lives.
Before becoming an actor, he worked as a Wal-Mart people greeter in Nanaimo, B.C., as well as a taxicab driver, school bus driver, and roofer.
He had minor roles in other films before joining the cast of “Glee,” which debuted in 2009.
He also played drums for the California-based band Bonnie Dune, and was an avid supporter of the Project Limelight Society, a Vancouver charity that offers a theatre program to at-risk youth.
Just days before his death, Monteith apparently dined with casting director and Project Limelight cofounder Maureen Webb in an east Vancouver restaurant.
An autopsy is expected to be performed today.