Cory Monteith Death Mourned by Lea Michele, Ryan Murphy During Memorial Service
On Thursday the cast and crew of "Glee" held a memorial service for actor Cory Monteith who died of a drug overdose on July 13.
"Today, Ryan Murphy and Lea Michele gathered the cast, crew and producers of Glee, along with colleagues from the network and studio, to share memories and music in an emotional celebration of the life of Cory Monteith," producer 20th Century Fox Television said in a statement.
"We thank the public for their continued outpouring of love and support as we grieve our friend and colleague during this difficult time."
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Producers decided to delay the fifth-season premiere of Glee to Sept. 26. Co-creator Murphy told said the plan is to pay tribute to Monteith.
"The right thing to do for the show, at least at this point, is to have that character pass," Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter. "When we do the tribute episode to that character, we'll have to do it in a way where the cast members will not have to re-create feelings of grief that they've had this week -- but do it in an upbeat way. If we can do this responsibly and help young people through these feelings, that's the best that we can hope for."
Monteith, who played Finn Hudson alongside Lea Michele on the popular TV series, was reportedly found dead alone in his hotel room by staff at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The news has shocked the entertainment industry with friends of the late star expressing their deepest sympathies. A representative for Monteith's co-star and girlfriend, Michele, released a statement asking for privacy as she comes to terms with her loss.
"We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time," the statement read.
"She is absolutely hysterical and completely inconsolable," a source told Hollywood Life. "She is devastated beyond belief."
