Cory Monteith Biography

Fast Facts

• An outspoken supporter for various LGBT causes, he hosted the 23rd GLAAD Media Awards in 2012 and later taped a public service announcement for the Straight But Not Narrow campaign
• After years of struggling with substance abuse, he was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room at age 31, the victim of an apparent drug overdose
• Stated that a family intervention held for him at age 19 led to him to entering a drug treatment facility for substance abuse, a recurring problem he had faced since as young as 13 years old
• Dropped out of high school at 16 years old, as his parents' divorce weighed heavily on him and his brother, but would return to earn his diploma in 2011
• Quote: "[on the audition process for 'Glee'] "I was like a lot of kids, looking for something to be interested in․ Something to be passionate about․ All you need is permission․ Not only for Glee, but for anything in life․""
• Quote: "I think if you show up and you work hard and you're straightforward, you can always create your own opportunities․ I hope I'm right․"
• Caught the eye of "Glee" casting directors after his agent sent them an audition tape of him playing the drums on Tupperware containers, a move that would land him the role that would prove to be his breakout hit
• Began his acting career in his early 20s after landing small roles on various Canada-based productions "Whisper" and "Kyle XY" before moving to Hollywood in the mid-2000s
• Before establishing himself in the entertainment industry, he held a string of odd jobs in his native Canada including Walmart greeter, taxi driver and roofer, among others
• Despite being unable to sing, a trait that "Glee" casting directors were adamant about finding for the role of 'Finn', he sent a video of himself playing the drums performing various classic rock tunes
• Began dating "Glee" co-star Lea Michele in early 2012