barnesgonzo: Cory Monteith Honored At Emotional 'Glee' Cast Memorial

Friday, July 26, 2013

Cory Monteith Honored At Emotional 'Glee' Cast Memorial

'Love and miss you, buddy,' Chris Colfer says of his late co-star.
By Gil Kaufman

Cory Monteith
Photo: Getty Images

The cast of "Glee" gathered on the 20th Century Fox lot on Thursday night for a private memorial service for late co-star Cory Monteith, 31. The event, two weeks after Monteith's death  from what coroners said was a lethal mixture of heroin and alcohol marked the first time the "Glee" gang had gotten together since the tragic news of Monteith's passing.

Though no cameras or press were allowed, 20th Century Fox Television issued a statement about the memorial. "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," read the note. "We thank the public for their continued outpouring of love and support as we grieve our friend and colleague during this difficult time."

People magazine reported that Murphy and Michele were joined by such co-stars as Kevin McHale, Chord Overstreet (carrying a guitar) and Darren Criss at the indoor/outdoor event for more than 150, described as "somber" and tear-filled. Guests, many dressed in black, mingled and dined on a buffet-style meal while listening to "Glee"-appropriate songs such as the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and wearing black ribbons in honor of their friend and co-star.

Also on Thursday, co-star Chris Colfer joined a number of his fellow castmates  in paying personal tribute to Monteith with an Instagram post of one of their joint interviews promoting the show. "I'll never forget all the laughs we shared or the faces we made after awkward interview questions," he wrote. "Love and miss you, buddy."

The premiere of the fifth season of the show has been pushed back to September 26 and co-creator Murphy said he plans to pay homage  to Monteith in the show's third episode. According to the Hollywood Reporter grief counselors will be available on the "Glee" set for several weeks once production ramps up again in early August.

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