Actor Cory Monteith passed away 10 years ago to the date. Monteith starred in Fox’s hit musical dramedy “Glee” until his untimely passing. The actor was 31 when he died in his native Canada of an accidental drug overdose. His character Finn Hudson was subsequently honored on the show in a now infamous episode, “The Quarterback.”
Today, fans of the show and Monteith’s former cast mates alike continue to honor his legacy of kindness. Notably, Monteith was in a relationship with his “Glee” costar Lea Michele, who starred as his onscreen love interest Rachel Berry. Michele posted a touching tribute to the late star on her Instagram account today. The caption also referenced one of Monteith’s biggest musical inspirations who passed away last year, Taylor Hawkins of the Foo Fighters.
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Monteith’s death was the first in a string of unrelated deaths in the “Glee” cast. Naya Rivera, Mark Salling, and several crew members later passed away, leading to the conspiracy theory that the show was cursed from the start. The show, created by the acclaimed Ryan Murphy, ran from 2009 to 2015.
Social Media Memorials
Actor Kevin McHale, who portrayed Artie Abrams on “Glee”, posted a Twitter thread telling the story of where he was when he first heard of Monteith’s passing. McHale recalled processing his initial grief alongside fellow “Glee” star Naya Rivera. Rivera passed away in a boating accident at Lake Piru in California three years ago in 2020.
10 years ago today I was in London with Naya. We immediately met up after being woken up by the worst possible news. We spent the day partly in shock, partly laughing at our memories, partly crying at the impossibility of it all. 10 years later, not a day has gone by where I…
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) July 13, 2023
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Fans of the actor were quick to send their well wishes and support to him and the rest of the “Glee” cast in the comments. One Twitter user recounted the lasting legacy that both actors had on storytelling on television.
Both of them made such an impact on so many people. July is always sad, miss them both terribly. I’m just so grateful that we got to see them both shine, even if it wasn’t for anywhere near long enough. Thinking of you all today ❤️
— Nicola ミ☆ (@Nicola__Pope) July 13, 2023
One fan compiled some of Monteith’s most impactful scenes on TikTok. The actor’s character was famously multifaceted, showcasing his depth as a performer.
@l0ve4cedes #CORYMONTEITH -My sweet boy, Cory. I can’t believe it’s been 10 years since you left the earth, we miss you so much I can’t even explain it. thank you so much for being such an inspiration in my life. we love you cory, rest in paradise by the dashboard light. #finnhudson #glee #gleecast #fyp #l0ve4cedes #gleeclub #gleetok #gleeedit #restinpeacecorymonteith #corymontieth
Others reposted some powerful frames from “The Quarterback” in his honor.
today marks 10 years since we lost Cory Monteith ???? you'll never be forgotten pic.twitter.com/gtCBgwJUED
— Pop Culture Posts (@notgwendalupe) July 13, 2023
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Rivera notably passed away seven years after Monteith to the date. Her character, Santana Lopez, was groundbreaking for Latine LGBTQ+ representation. She passed when she was 33, and is survived by her son.
I miss her most ❤️ pic.twitter.com/oE4nmKUVB5
— MUSIC VIBES (@MusicVibes420) July 13, 2023
Monteith’s other cast mates on “Glee” and showrunner Ryan Murphy are yet to comment on the ten year anniversary of the actor’s tragic death.
