GLEE Cast Gathers to Honor Cory Monteith with 'Emotional Celebration'

Despite the fact that production on the fifth season of Glee doesn't begin until mid-August, the cast and crew gathered today to celebrate the life of their colleague, Cory Monteith, who died at the age of 31 on July 13.

In a statement released today, a spokesperson from 20th Century FOX said: "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. We thank the public for their continued outpouring of love and support as we grieve our friend and colleague during this difficult time."

As BroadwayWorld previously reported, GLEE's season premiere has been pushed to Sept. 26 in order for a tribute episode to be drafted. The tribute will be penned by Glee co-creators Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, but no decisions have been made about the angle or content. Michele will reportedly figure prominently in the direction the trio decides to take. The already written, two-part episode is a tribute to The Beatles; this is what the cast will film in August.

Monteith, who was dating his Glee co-star and Broadway vet Lea Michele, starred in the film Monte Carlo, opposite Leighton Meester, Selena Gomez and Katie Cassidy. His other film credits include FINAL DESTINATION 3, THE INVISIBLE, DECK THE HALLS, and WHISPER. He left rehab in April of 2013, after voluntarily admitting himself to a treatment facility for substance addiction in March of 2013.

His television credits include a lead role on the series "Kaya" and a recurring guest-star role on KYLE XY. He has also made numerous guest appearances on television shows, including SMALLVILLE, SUPERNATURAL, STARGATE, FLASH GORDON, and INTERNS. Additionally, he starred in the 2007 television movie HYBRID.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Monteith moved to Vancouver Island at a very young age. Throughout his life he has held jobs as a Wal-Mart greeter, a school bus driver, a roofer and a cab driver, before pursuing a career in acting.

Photo by Stewart Cook / Rex USA, Jim Smeal / BEImages