GLEE's Mike O'Malley Speaks on Cory Monteith's Passing

GLEE's Mike O'Malley, who plays Burt Hummel on the series, commented on his relationship with co-star Cory Monteith during a TCA panel this morning, July 27. Monteith passed away earlier this month from an accidental drug overdose.

"Many of my scenes on Glee were with either Chris Colfer or Cory Monteith. Cory had with me what was probably one of the toughest scenes I've ever acted in my career when my character had to throw his character Finn out of the house because of a slur he'd used. He was remarkable to me when we were shooting that scene over and over, just the depth of emotion he was able to betray, the sorrow, the shame," O'Malley said.

He continued: "Ever since I met him, he was the fictional quarterback on that show and the very real quarterback on that set. He was an incredibly warm guy, welcoming to everyone who came on that show from the beginning through the new folks. He was a very hard-working actor, and I just loved working with him. He was a great guy, and I'll miss him very much."

For the original report, head on over to Deadline.

O'Malley is currently filming for the new TV series Welcome To The Family and is appearing on the big screen in R.I.P.D. Other recent movie projects include 3 Geezers! and Behind the Candelabra. O'Malley's many TV credits include Justified, Glenn Martin DDS, Parenthood, My Name Is Earl, My Own Worst Enemy, Yes, Dear, Baby Blues and Life with Roger. O'Malley appeared onstage in Encores! Promises, Promises concert in 1997.

GLEE returns for its fifth season on September 26th on FOX.

Photo Credit: KristIan Dowling/FOX