Glee Fans Get A Final Goodbye For Beloved Character

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Category: Streaming, Cable

Published on Tuesday, 23 July 2013 10:36

Written by Janet Walker

“Glee” fans still reeling with sorrow from the untimely death of Cory Monteith will get the chance to say a final goodbye to the beloved character as FOX Television Studios finalizes the tribute.

Monteith, known around the world as Finn Hudson, the jock quarterback turned glee chorus star, in the wildly popular FOX Television show “Glee,” died unexpectedly from an overdose caused by a combination of heroin and alcohol.

“Glee” was set to begin filming its fifth season early August for an air date of September 18, 2013. The network has announced “Glee” will return one week later on Thursday, September 26.

Monteith, 31, was found dead at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, Canada on July 13. The news of his death and circumstances stunned his family, friends and co-stars.

Open about his addictions, Monteith, has just completed a month long stay in a well known Drug and Alcohol treatment center. He had stated in a 2011 Parade interview, “I was out of control,” admitting he used “anything and everything, as much as possible.” He entered rehab at 19, “I did the stint but then went back to doing exactly what I left off doing.”

Monteith was cremated in a private ceremony attended by his mother, Ann McGregor, brother, Shaun, and on-screen/off screen girlfriend, Lea Michele.

“Glee” co-creator, Ryan Murphy, announced they planned to work in a tribute to the beloved star in the third episode. It is unclear if the first two episodes, which were written in May, will portray the character of Finn Hudson. After the third tribute episode, the hit series will take an extended hiatus and “re-group.”

 “Glee” co-stars have eulogized Monteith for his talent, kindness of heart and generosity of spirit.

Jane Lynch, who portrays Coach Sue Sylvester on the hit show, spoke with Jay Leno on “The Tonight Show” stating, "Cory's one of the biggest hearts, was a real bright light. He was one of those guys that…you know, he knew he was breathing rarified air…the gifts that this wonderful show gave us."

Dianna Agron who portrays Quinn Fabray said, "He was one of the most generous and kind people that I have ever met. He had a smart, curious mind, he was an enormous talent," she said. "He was loving to not only me, but my family. My heart goes out to his family, to Lea [Michele], to everyone that is struggling with the loss of our friend."

Ryan Murphy, creator, writer, director and producer, stated “I think that's the way he was on the show, on the set; he was a real leader. He was very beloved by the crew. I think Cory was very much like Finn [in] that Cory really was a champion of young artists and the underdog. I hope that that's how he's remembered and I think he will be because that's how he was in real life with his causes and his outreach programs.

FOX has taken the unusual steps of renewing “Glee” for both a fifth and sixth season.

“Glee” can be seen in its new timeslot Thursday at 8:00pm beginning September 26, 2013.

For more information: www.fox.com