Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician best known for his role as Finn Hudson on the television series Glee. This profile outlines his career trajectory, notable performances, public struggles with substance use, his death in July 2013, and the lasting impact of his work. It is intended as a verified, fact-first summary for readers seeking a durable overview of Monteith’s life and legacy.
Early life and background
Cory Allan Monteith was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on May 11, 1982. He spent parts of his childhood in Kamloops, British Columbia, and later moved to Victoria, British Columbia. Monteith attended Royal Oak Middle School and Claremont Secondary School. As a teenager, he struggled with substance use, including alcohol and drugs, which affected his schooling and led to time in rehabilitation facilities before his entertainment career took off.
Career before Glee
Monteith’s early acting work included small roles in television and film, such as appearances on The Dead Zone, Supernatural, and The 4400. He appeared in the 2008 television film The Simone Boleyn Treatment and had supporting roles in the features Christmas Cottage and Whatever It Takes. These roles built his experience but did not yet bring him widespread recognition.
Breakout role on Glee
Finn Hudson and the show’s impact
Monteith gained international recognition when he joined the cast of Glee in 2009 as Finn Hudson, a high school student and aspiring athlete who becomes involved in the McKinley High glee club. Glee premiered on Fox in May 2009 and ran for six seasons, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Monteith was a central cast member throughout the show’s peak years, performing musical numbers and participating in storylines that addressed themes of identity, sexuality, bullying, and mental health.
On-screen milestones and musical contributions
As Finn, Monteith was featured in numerous musical performances and key narrative arcs, including the show’s tribute episodes and holiday specials. He shared notable on-screen relationships and was part of storylines that tackled difficult topics such as addiction, grief, and teen pregnancy. His work contributed to several cast recording releases and televised musical performances that were widely covered by mainstream media.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cory Allan Monteith | Public records |
| Date of birth | May 11, 1982 | Official biographies |
| Place of birth | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | Official biographies |
| Known for | Role as Finn Hudson on Glee | Production credits |
| Years active | Approximately 2000–2013 | Industry databases |
| Date of death | July 13, 2013 | Coroner’s report and news verification |
| Location of death | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | Coroner’s report |
| Primary cause of death | Acute intoxication due to multiple drug toxicity | Official toxicology report |
Public discussions of substance use
In March 2013, Monteith publicly discussed his history of substance abuse in an interview with Parade magazine, describing himself as having a “substance abuse problem” and acknowledging the harm it caused. He spoke about attending rehabilitation programs at age 19 and later, and he referred to past relapses. This openness was cited by many outlets as a candid reflection on addiction, and it preceded the events that led to his death.
Death and immediate aftermath
Monteith was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Vancouver on July 13, 2013. Emergency responders were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Toxicology reports concluded his death resulted from acute intoxication due to multiple drug toxicity, involving both prescription and illicit substances. Tributes followed from cast members, creators, and fans, and Glee aired a memorial episode shortly after his passing.
Legacy and posthumous influence
After his death, Monteith’s role on Glee remained part of the show’s retrospective coverage, and he was included in cast reunions and commemorative features. The Glee cast performed songs in his memory, and his family and castmates have discussed ongoing efforts around addiction awareness. Monteith continued to be referenced in lists of cast members and in discussions about the show’s cultural footprint and its approach to portraying personal struggles.
Key facts at a glance
- Full name: Cory Allan Monteith
- Born: May 11, 1982, in Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Died: July 13, 2013, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Cause of death: Acute intoxication from multiple drug toxicity
- Public profile: Actor and musician, best known for portraying Finn Hudson on Glee
- Career span: Acting work from the early 2000s until his death in 2013
Relationship to Glee’s cultural footprint
Monteith’s portrayal of Finn Hudson contributed to Glee’s broad audience reach and its discussions of teenage life, acceptance, and music. His on-screen journey intersected with sensitive topics, and his real-life openness about rehabilitation and relapse added a dimension to conversations about recovery in the public eye. Glee’s musical format allowed many viewers to discover his performances, which remain part of the show’s catalog.
Reported net worth and earnings
Reputable outlets have reported estimates of Cory Monteith’s net worth at the time of his death, generally in the range of approximately $600,000 to $1 million, derived mainly from his work on Glee, music royalties, and earlier acting roles. These figures are approximate and should be treated as reported estimates rather than precise, up-to-date valuations.
| Metric | Estimate or Range | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Reported net worth at time of death | Approx. $600,000–$1 million | Based on reporting from celebrity finance outlets; includes earnings from Glee and earlier work |
| Primary income sources | Acting (Glee), music, residuals | Glee salary, album sales, syndication residuals |
| Union involvement | SAG-AFTRA member | Professional actors’ union status |
Common questions and clarifications
Readers often ask about the circumstances of his death, his role on Glee, and how his passing affected the show. Monteith’s death led to production changes and memorial storylines on Glee, and his character’s departure was handled with attention to the real-life impact on cast and crew. Discussions about his legacy frequently emphasize both his work in entertainment and the importance of addressing substance use openly.