35 Facts About Cory Monteith Death

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Cory Monteith's journey to stardom was marked by a series of challenges and triumphs. Let's explore his early life and how he began his career in the entertainment industry.

1. Date of Birth: Cory Allan Michael Monteith was born on May 11, 1982, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

2. Early Life: After his parents divorced when he was two, Monteith moved to Victoria, British Columbia, with his mother. He considered Victoria his hometown.

3. Education: Monteith dropped out of school in the ninth grade but later earned a high school diploma from an alternative school in Victoria, BC. He attended 16 different schools during his educational journey.

4. Career Beginnings: Monteith made his acting debut in the television series "Stargate Atlantis" in 2004. He also appeared in other shows like "Smallville" and "Supernatural" during this period.

Rise to Fame with Glee

Monteith's big break came with his role in "Glee," a show that catapulted him to international fame. Here's a closer look at his rise to stardom.

5. Breakthrough Role: His breakthrough role came when he was cast as Finn Hudson in the Fox television series "Glee" in 2009. The show became an improbable hit, and Monteith's character became a fan favorite.

6. Awards and Recognition: For his portrayal of Finn Hudson, Monteith won a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Teen Choice Award.

Personal Life and Relationships

Monteith's personal life was as intriguing as his professional one. He had significant relationships and personal struggles that shaped his journey.

7. Personal Life: Monteith began working with American actress Lea Michele in 2008 when they were cast as love interests on "Glee." They started dating in early 2012 and remained together until his death in 2013.

8. Substance Abuse Issues: Monteith struggled with severe drug and alcohol addiction since the age of 13. He entered drug rehabilitation at age 19 and continued to battle addiction throughout his life.

9. Rehabilitation Attempts: In March 2013, Monteith checked himself into a substance addiction treatment facility, but he relapsed and overdosed just a few months later.

The Tragic End

Monteith's untimely death shocked the world. Here are the details surrounding his final days and the aftermath.

10. Final Months: In the months leading up to his death, Monteith had been out clubbing with friends and had returned to his hotel room alone on the night of July 12, 2013. He was scheduled to check out of the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver the next day.

11. Discovery of Body: At around noon on July 13, 2013, hotel staff entered Monteith's room to find his body unresponsive on the floor. The police were quickly called to the scene, and it was soon apparent that there was no chance to save him as he had been dead for several hours.

12. Autopsy Report: The autopsy report revealed that Monteith died from "mixed drug toxicity, involving heroin and alcohol." The report also noted the presence of codeine and morphine in his system at the time of death.

13. Drug Paraphernalia: Near Monteith's body, police found a used hypodermic needle, a spoon with drug residue, and two empty champagne bottles. These clues suggested that he had died from a heroin and alcohol overdose.

14. Coroner's Conclusion: The British Columbia Coroners Service concluded that Monteith's death was an accident. The coroner noted that after a period of cessation from opioid drug use, a previously tolerated drug concentration level may become toxic and fatal.

Tributes and Legacy

Monteith's death left a void in the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to be honored by fans and colleagues alike.

15. Tributes and Legacy: Monteith's death was met with tributes from his fans and the entertainment industry. His character, Finn Hudson, was written out of "Glee" in a special episode titled "The Quarterback," which paid a heartfelt tribute to his memory.

16. Lea Michele's Tribute: Lea Michele, Monteith's girlfriend at the time of his death, has released several songs about him. She also had the words "if you say so" tattooed on her ribcage, which were his last words to her.

17. Justin Neill's Reflection: One of Monteith's former roommates, Justin Neill, reflected on the impact of Monteith's death in an interview with Newsweek. Neill stated that Monteith had changed his life in several ways and that it still feels like two lifetimes ago since his passing.

18. Docuseries "The Price of Glee": Monteith's death was explored in the 2023 docuseries "The Price of Glee," which also looked into other tragedies and controversies associated with the show, including the death of Naya Rivera in 2020.

Final Resting Place and Personal Interests

Monteith's final resting place and his personal interests provide a glimpse into the man behind the fame.

19. Final Resting Place: Monteith's body was cremated in Vancouver on July 17, 2013, following a private viewing by his immediate family and girlfriend Lea Michele.

20. Ashes Distribution: Some of Monteith's ashes were given to his friend and co-star Kevin Zegers. The two had worked together on the movie "All the Wrong Reasons," which was released in November 2013.

21. Favorite Hobbies: Monteith enjoyed skimboarding and surfing in his free time. He was also an avid fan of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks hockey team.

22. Family Background: Monteith's parents were Ann McGregor, an interior decorator, and Joe Monteith, a serviceman. His maternal grandmother was born in Hengelo, Gelderland, Netherlands.

23. Ethnicity: Monteith was of Scottish, Irish, English, and one quarter Dutch/Frisian descent.

24. Band Member: Before becoming an actor, Monteith was the drummer for a band called Bonnie Dune.

25. Odd Jobs: Monteith worked various odd jobs before becoming an actor, including being a Wal-Mart people greeter, a cab driver, and a roofer.

26. Favorite Sports: Monteith listed hockey and basketball as two of his favorite sports.

Relationships and Posthumous Recognition

Monteith's relationships and the recognition he received after his death highlight the lasting impact he had on those around him.

27. Relationship with Lea Michele: Monteith and Lea Michele were in a relationship from 2011 until his death in 2013. She has spoken publicly about the impact of his passing on her life and career.

28. Posthumous Recognition: Despite his tragic death, Monteith's legacy continues to be celebrated. His character Finn Hudson remains a beloved figure in popular culture, and his impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today.

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

The media coverage and public reaction to Monteith's death were overwhelming, reflecting the deep connection he had with his fans.

29. Media Coverage: The news of Monteith's death was widely covered by the media, with CNN reporting that the British Columbia Coroners Service had ruled his death an accident due to mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.

30. Public Reaction: The public reaction to Monteith's death was overwhelming, with fans and fellow celebrities expressing their shock and sadness through social media and public statements.

Glee Tribute and Lea Michele’s Songs

The tribute episode on "Glee" and Lea Michele's songs about Monteith show the deep emotional impact of his loss.

31. Glee Tribute Episode: The special episode of "Glee" titled "The Quarterback" was a heartfelt tribute to Monteith's memory. The episode featured his character's death and was watched by millions of fans worldwide.

32. Lea Michele’s Songs: Lea Michele released two songs about Monteith after his death. One of the songs, "Cannonball," was released as her first single off her debut album, while the other song, "If You Say So," was the last thing he said to her.

Reflections and Legacy

Monteith's legacy continues to be remembered and honored by those who knew him and his fans.

33. Justin Neill’s Interview: In an interview with Newsweek, Justin Neill, one of Monteith's former roommates, spoke about the impact of Monteith’s death on his life. Neill stated that Monteith had changed his life in several ways and that it still feels like two lifetimes ago since his passing.

34. Docuseries “The Price of Glee”: The docuseries "The Price of Glee" explored Cory Monteith’s death along with other tragedies and controversies associated with the show, including the death of Naya Rivera in 2020.

35. Legacy and Impact: Despite his tragic death, Cory Monteith’s legacy continues to be celebrated. His impact on the entertainment industry and his fans remains significant, and he will always be remembered as a talented actor and musician who left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Remembering Cory Monteith

Cory Monteith's death on July 13, 2013, left a significant impact on fans and the entertainment industry. Known for his role as Finn Hudson on "Glee," Monteith's talent and charm won hearts worldwide. Despite his struggles with substance abuse, he sought help multiple times, showing his determination to overcome his demons. His untimely passing due to mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol was a tragic reminder of the dangers of addiction. Tributes poured in from fans, co-stars, and his girlfriend, Lea Michele, highlighting the love and respect he garnered. The special "Glee" episode, "The Quarterback," paid a heartfelt tribute to his memory. Monteith's legacy continues through his work and the awareness his story brings to the importance of mental health and addiction support. His life and career remain a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame and the human struggle.