Quick Wiki
- Full Name Cory Allan Michael Monteith
- Birth Date May 11, 1982
- Age 42 Years, 7 Months
- Death Date 2013-07-13
- Occupation Canadian actor and musician
- Parents Ann McGregor, Joe Monteith
- Mother Ann McGregor
- Father Joe Monteith
Cory Monteith | Biography
Cory Monteith was a talented actor known for his role as Finn Hudson on Glee. His life was marked by struggles with addiction and an untimely death.
Who is Cory Monteith?
Cory Monteith was a talented Canadian actor best known for his role as Finn Hudson on the hit television series Glee. Born on May 11, 1982, in Calgary, Canada, Monteith faced significant challenges in his early life, particularly after his parents' divorce when he was just seven years old. Raised primarily by his mother in Victoria, he struggled with substance abuse throughout his teenage years, which led to him dropping out of school and attending twelve different institutions. Yet, this turbulent past propelled him towards acting, a career that he discovered while working odd jobs and eventually found stability after attending rehab.
Monteith's breakout role on Glee premiered in 2009, where he captivated audiences with his portrayal of a high school football player with a passion for singing. His on-screen chemistry with co-star Lea Michele, who played Rachel Berry, became a significant aspect of the show's appeal, drawing in fans from around the world. The series not only changed Monteith's life but also established him as a prominent young star in Hollywood. Despite his success, Monteith struggled with personal demons, leading him to seek help multiple times. Tragically, his life was cut short when he died from a heroin and alcohol overdose on July 13, 2013, at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy cherished by fans and loved ones alike.
Early Life and Education
Cory Monteith was born on May 11, 1982, in Calgary, Canada. His early years were marked by his parents' divorce when he was just seven years old, leading him and his older brother to be raised by their mother in Victoria. Once a bright and promising student, Monteith's trajectory changed in his early teens as he began to struggle with substance abuse issues. He started skipping school to experiment with alcohol and drugs, becoming disconnected from his education.
By the age of 16, Cory Monteith had attended a staggering 12 different schools and ultimately decided to drop out, choosing to work various odd jobs instead. Despite his challenges, he found solace in music, playing in different bands as a drummer. However, his substance abuse escalated, prompting his family to intervene when he turned 19. After entering rehab for the first time, Monteith faced ongoing struggles, but eventually found a renewed sense of purpose and direction through acting, which would eventually lead to his breakout role on "Glee."
Career Beginnings and Struggles
Cory Monteith’s career began against a backdrop of personal turmoil. After a troubled adolescence marked by substance abuse, he made the pivotal decision to pursue acting. At age 19, after a family intervention prompted him to enter rehab, Monteith moved to Nanaimo, where he worked as a roofer and found solace in sobriety. This new direction motivated him to explore his passion for acting, leading him to take classes that would eventually lead him to success. It was during this transformative period that he made connections that opened doors for opportunities in the entertainment industry.
His first acting job came in 2004 with a guest role on "Stargate Atlantis." This initial experience began a series of auditions for various Vancouver-based productions, marking the dawn of his professional career. Monteith landed a notable role in the series “Kyle XY” in 2006 and appeared in the horror film “Final Destination 3.” Despite a slow start, Monteith's perseverance and talent caught the attention of casting directors, paving the way for his breakout role. His resilience in overcoming personal struggles ultimately set the stage for his future success on the hit series "Glee," where he became a household name and beloved star.
Television Stardom and Glee Success
Cory Monteith's rise to fame was marked by his transformative role in the television series Glee, which premiered in 2009. After impressing Glee creator Ryan Murphy with a unique audition—where he showcased his percussion skills using Tupperware containers—Monteith won the coveted role of Finn Hudson. His character was a high school football star with a passion for music, becoming an integral part of the show's narrative. The blend of youthful struggles, romance, and the pursuit of dreams struck a chord with audiences, propelling Monteith into the spotlight as a beloved figure in pop culture.
Glee quickly became a cultural phenomenon, resonating with fans around the world. Monteith's portrayal of Finn Hudson not only showcased his vocal talents but also captured the journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Alongside his co-star Lea Michele, who played Rachel Berry, the on-screen romance blossomed, further endearing the duo to fans. The series was lauded for its musical performances, and Monteith, along with the cast, achieved commercial success with chart-topping songs and concert tours. This period of stardom established him as one of the leading young actors of his time, despite the challenges he faced off-screen.
Untimely Death and Legacy
Cory Monteith's untimely death on July 13, 2013, shocked fans and fellow actors alike. At just 31 years old, he was found dead in a hotel room in Vancouver, Canada, from a tragic overdose of heroin and alcohol. His passing came shortly after he completed a stint in rehab, highlighting the ongoing struggle he faced with substance abuse despite his efforts to seek help. Monteith’s death triggered an outpouring of grief from the Glee community, with cast members and fans expressing their sorrow over the loss of a talented performer and beloved friend.
Monteith's legacy continues to resonate beyond his role as Finn Hudson in Glee. His journey from troubled youth to international star serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of addiction. Through his candid discussions about his struggles, Monteith brought attention to the importance of mental health and the complexities of recovery. Fans remember him not only for his incredible talent in the arts but also for his perseverance and determination to overcome adversity. His impact in the entertainment industry remains significant, inspiring many to find hope and support in their own battles.
Personal Life: Girlfriend and Relationships
Cory Monteith's personal life garnered significant attention, particularly his relationship with co-star Lea Michele. Their chemistry on-screen as Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry blossomed into a romantic relationship off-screen, captivating fans. The couple began dating in early 2012, and their bond became a focal point in the tabloid press, as they both navigated the intense pressures of fame. Michele was a steadfast support for Monteith, particularly during his struggles with substance abuse, expressing her unwavering love and commitment to him, which highlighted the depth of their relationship.
Despite the challenges Monteith faced, including his battles with addiction, Michele provided a sense of stability in his life. The couple was often seen together at various public events, and they shared many affectionate moments on social media. Their relationship was marked by genuine affection, and they were frequently described as a loving couple. As Monteith's struggles intensified, Michele continued to publicly express her pride in his efforts to seek help, emphasizing a strong partnership built on mutual support and understanding during difficult times.
Net Worth and Earning: Salary
Cory Monteith, primarily known for his role as Finn Hudson on the hit television series "Glee", had a burgeoning career that also led to a commendable net worth during his time in the limelight. At the peak of his career, Monteith's net worth was estimated to be around $2 million, a figure accumulated through his acting roles, endorsements, and music ventures associated with "Glee". His salary for the show was reported to be somewhere between $30,000 to $50,000 per episode, a substantial amount that contributed significantly to his financial standing as the series grew in popularity.
Beyond "Glee", Monteith's net worth benefitted from various film projects, including a starring role in the romantic comedy "Monte Carlo", which further broadened his appeal in Hollywood. His income was bolstered by concert tours and record sales from the "Glee" cast, which often featured his vocals. Though his career was tragically cut short, Monteith's impact on the entertainment industry and the financial accomplishments he achieved during his time remain noteworthy. His legacy continues to resonate with fans and fellow performers alike, reflecting the potential of his promising future in the arts.
