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Cory Monteith
Cory Monteith at GLAAD Awards.jpg
Monteith at the 2010 GLAAD Media Awards
Born
Cory Allan Michael Monteith

(1982-05-11)May 11, 1982
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Died July 13, 2013(2013-07-13) (aged 31)
Resting place Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (cremated)
Occupation
  • Actor
  • musician
Years active 2004–2013

Cory Allan Michael Monteith (May 11, 1982 – July 13, 2013) was a Canadian actor and musician. He became famous for playing Finn Hudson in the TV show Glee. For this role, he won a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Teen Choice Award.

Cory also appeared in other TV shows like Stargate Atlantis (2004), Smallville (2005), and Supernatural (2005). He acted in many films, including Monte Carlo (2011) and Final Destination 3 (2006).

Early Life and School

Cory Monteith was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on May 11, 1982. His mother, Ann McGregor, was an interior decorator, and his father, Joe Monteith, was a soldier. Cory had an older brother named Shaun.

When Cory was seven, his parents separated. He and his brother were raised by their mother in Victoria, British Columbia. Because his father was in the military, Cory did not see him very often.

Cory went to many different schools, about 16 in total. He left school when he was 16 years old. Later, in 2011, he went back to an alternative school in Victoria and earned his high school diploma. Before becoming an actor, Cory worked many different jobs. He was a greeter at Walmart, a taxi driver, a mechanic, a school bus driver, and a roofer. He also played drums in some bands.

Cory's Acting Career

Starting Out (2004–2008)

Cory Monteith began his acting journey in Vancouver, British Columbia. He got small parts in movies like Final Destination 3, Whisper, and Deck the Halls.

He also appeared in TV shows such as Smallville, Supernatural, and Stargate Atlantis. In 2007, he starred as Gunnar in the MTV series Kaya.

Becoming Famous with Glee (2009–2013)

In 2009, Cory Monteith got a big role in the Fox TV series Glee. He played Finn Hudson.

Finn was the popular quarterback of his high school football team. He decided to join the school's glee club, even though it wasn't considered "cool." Finn loved singing and performing. His character often had to choose between his popular friends and his love for the glee club. Finn also had romantic storylines with other characters in the show.

Cory won the Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Actor Comedy in 2011 for his role as Finn. Even though he wasn't a singer before Glee, Cory sang many songs on the show.

Cory also acted in movies during this time. In 2010, he was cast in the romantic comedy movie Monte Carlo. He also co-hosted the Teen Choice Awards in 2010 and the Gemini Awards in Toronto.

In 2011, Cory filmed Sisters & Brothers and All The Wrong Reasons. In All The Wrong Reasons, he played a department store manager. Cory also filmed a public service announcement (PSA) for Straight But Not Narrow. This group helps young straight people support the LGBT community. In 2012, he hosted the 23rd GLAAD Media Awards in New York City.

Cory's last two films, All the Wrong Reasons and McCanick, were released after his death in 2013. The TV show Glee also created a special episode to honor his character, Finn Hudson.

Personal Life

Cory Monteith worked with actress Lea Michele on Glee starting in 2008. They played characters who were in love on the show. In early 2012, news outlets reported that they were dating in real life. They remained together until Cory's death. Lea Michele has released songs about Cory since his passing, including "If You Say So" and "Hey You."

Helping Others (Philanthropy)

Cory Monteith cared about helping people. He was involved with Project Limelight, a group that offers performing arts programs for children in Vancouver.

He was also an ambassador for Virgin Unite, an organization that works to improve people's lives. Cory also helped Chrysalis, a group that assists homeless people and those with low incomes find and keep jobs.

Cory strongly supported LGBT rights. He worked with organizations like The Trevor Project, which helps young people. He also teamed up with Straight But Not Narrow to encourage young straight people to be respectful and supportive of their gay friends.

Death

Cory Monteith passed away on July 13, 2013, in his hotel room in Vancouver, British Columbia. He was 31 years old.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Roles Notes
2005 Killer Bash Douglas Waylan Hart
2006 Bloody Mary Paul Zuckerman
Kraken: Tentacles of the Deep Michael
Deck the Halls Madison's date
Final Destination 3 Kahill
2007 Hybrid Aaron Scates TV film
White Noise: The Light Scooter guy
Gone Davis Calder Short film
The Invisible Jimmy
Whisper Teenage boy
2008 The Boy Next Door Jason
2011 Teaching the Life of Music Himself/narrator Documentary
Wannabe Macks Stu
Monte Carlo Owen Andrews
Sisters & Brothers Justin Montegan
Glee: The 3D Concert Movie Finn Hudson
2013 All the Wrong Reasons James Ascher Released after his death
McCanick Simon Weeks

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2004 Stargate Atlantis Genii Private Episode: "The Storm"
2005 Young Blades Marcel Le Rue Episode: "To Heir is Human"
Supernatural Gary Episode: "Wendigo"
Smallville Frat cowboy Episode: "Thirst"
Killer Instinct Windsurfer Bob Episode: "Forget Me Not"
2006 Whistler Lip Ring Episode: "The Burden of Truth"
Stargate SG-1 Young Cameron Mitchell Episode: "200"
Kyle XY Charlie Tanner 7 episodes
2007 Flash Gordon Ian Finley Episode: "Life Source"
Kaya Gunnar 10 episodes
2008 Fear Itself James Episode: "New Year's Day"
2009 Mistresses Jason
The Assistants Shane Baker 2 episodes
2009–2013 Glee Finn Hudson Main role (seasons 1–4); 81 episodes
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series
Teen Choice Award for Choice TV: Actor Comedy (2011)
2010 The Simpsons Himself Episode: "Elementary School Musical"
2011 The Cleveland Show Finn Hudson Episode: "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Roberta?"
2012 The Glee Project Himself Episode: "Vulnerability"
2013 MasterChef Himself Season 4, Episode 10; Last TV appearance

Awards and Nominations

Cory Monteith won several awards for his acting, especially for his role in Glee.

Year Title Award Category Result
2009 Glee 16th Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Won
2009 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Actor Breakout Star Male Nominated
2010 Hollywood Style Awards 2010 Male Future Style Icon Award Won
Glee 17th Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
2010 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Comedy Actor and Choice Smile Nominated
2011 2011 Grammy Awards Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals Nominated
2011 Teen Choice Awards Choice TV: Actor Comedy Won
Monte Carlo 2011 Teen Choice Awards Summer: Movie Star – Male Nominated
Glee 18th Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated
2012 Do Something Awards 2012 TV Star: Male Won
People's Choice Awards Favorite TV Comedy Actor Nominated
19th Screen Actors Guild Awards Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series Nominated

Discography

Images for kids

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Cory Monteith para niños

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