Sun. July 14, 2013
Vancouver, Canada -
Actor Cory Monteith, star in the television series Glee, was found dead in a Vancouver, Canada, hotel room Saturday, police said. He was 31.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news," read a statement on behalf of Glee Executive Producers, 20th Century Fox Television and FOX Broadcasting Company. "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."
Monteith was found shortly after noon at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in downtown Vancouver, according to Doug LePard, deputy chief of Vancouver police.
LePard said Monteith checked into the room July 6 and was due to check out Saturday. When he missed his check out time, staff went to the room and found his body.
Police believe Monteith had been with other people in his room on Friday night but said that video showed he returned to his room alone early Saturday. He was not staying with girlfriend and Glee co-star Lea Michele.
There is no cause of death yet, but foul play is not suspected. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday.
Born in Calgary, Canada, Monteith began his acting career in Vancouver, and was cast as Finn Hudson, the heart throb quarterback who reluctantly joins the glee club, on the Fox hit musical series when it debuted in 2009.
That same year, the relatively unknown Monteith told ChicagoPride.com, "What hasn't been the biggest adjustment for me on this show. It's been a huge learning curve for me. I've never sung."
He went on to become the breakout star of Glee.
Monteith was an ally to the gay and lesbian community. Last year, he hosted the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York with Glee co-star Naya Rivera.
Earlier this year, Monteith admitted himself into a facility for substance addiction. He was released in April.
Shortly after the news broke, Mark Salling, a real-life friend of Monteith and the star who portrays Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the series, simply tweeted, "no." Salling has since deleted the tweet, but not before it was retweeted nearly 12,000 times.
Dot-Marie Jones, who plays football coach Coach Beiste, tweeted, "I have no words! My heart is broken. Cory was not only a hell of a friend, he was one amazing man that I will hold close to my heart forever.
"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!"
Glee guest stars Kristin Chenoweth and Cheyenne Jackson also paid their respects. Kristin tweeted, "RIP CoryMontieth. You will be loved. Always" and Cheyenne, who described Monteith as "talented, funny and absolutely kindhearted," wrote, "We lost a gentleman. RIP."
Others in Hollywood are also paying their respects:
OMG!! My Cory...
— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) July 14, 2013
This is such sad news about @CoryMonteith - what an absolutely tragic loss of a very talented young man.
— zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) July 14, 2013
R.I.P. Cory Monteith. #Glee.
— David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) July 14, 2013
Just heard about the death of Cory Monteith. So sad. Prayers 4 his family. Praying 4 Lea too! Words cant describe what they must be feeling
— Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) July 14, 2013
I will always cherish you in my heart. Thank you for so many wonderful days. I love you CM ... pic.twitter.com/HW5me8dmLo
— Adam Shankman (@adammshankman) July 14, 2013
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