Cory Monteith Through The Years: Photos Of The Late ‘Glee’ Star 10 Years After His Tragic Death

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July 13, 2023 8:18AM EDT

Cory Monteith was a beloved actor, known for his role as Finn Hudson on ‘Glee.’ Look back at his incredible life in photos.

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Cory Monteith: A Life In Photos

Cory Monteith: A Life In Photos — Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor, born May 11, 1982 in Calgary. He had several small acting parts before his big break on the musical comedy ‘Glee’. Cory played jock-turned-Glee Club stat Finn Hudson for 5 seasons on the Ryan Murphy/Brad Falchuck hit. Cory also enjoyed movie roles in ‘Monte Carlo’ and a starring role in ‘Sisters & Brothers’.

Throughout his young life, Cory was troubled by addiction. He once said he began using drugs and alcohol when he was only 13, with his first bout in rehab at 19. On July 13, 2013, he died of a toxic combination of heroin and alcohol in a Vancouver hotel room. He was 31 years old.

Here, Cory Monteith is seen at the LA premiere of ‘Glee’ at Santa Monica High School on May 10, 2009. He wore a blue button-down top and jeans with a necklace for the event. See Cory’s life in photos here.

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‘Glee’

‘Glee’ — Cory Monteith is seen in a promo shot for ‘Glee’ ahead of its 2009 release. His character was a reluctant Glee Club member, who juggles his identity as a singer and a jock.

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Cory In ‘Glee’

Cory In ‘Glee’ — All star! Cory Monteith dons a McKinley High football shirt in a promo shot for ‘Glee’.

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Cory Monteith At The Premiere Of ‘This Is It’

Cory Monteith At The Premiere Of ‘This Is It’ — Cory Monteith attends the premiere of the movie ‘This Is It’ in LA on Oct. 27, 2009. He wore a white shirt and have a bit of scruff on his face.

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Lea Michele & Cory Monteith In 2009

Lea Michele & Cory Monteith In 2009 — Lea Michele holds onto Cory Monteith during a Nov. 3, 2009 appearance of the ‘Glee’ Cast at Borders Books in the Time Warner Center, New York. The pair, who were love interests on ‘Glee’, began dating in 2012 and were together until his passing.

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Cory Monteith During Christmas 2009

Cory Monteith During Christmas 2009 — Reindeer games! Cory Monteith gets silly in a reindeer headband during the Carol-Oke Contest in New York on Dec. 3, 2009.

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Cory Monteith In 2010

Cory Monteith In 2010 — Cory Monteith attends a ‘Glee’ Academy event in LA on Jul. 27, 2010. He wore a light jacket and grey tee shirt.

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Cory Monteith & Lea Michele At The 2010 Kids Choice Awards

Cory Monteith & Lea Michele At The 2010 Kids Choice Awards — Lea Michele, right, and Cory Monteith present the Favorite TV Actor award at Nickelodeon’s 23rd Annual Kids’ Choice Awards. He looked slick in a leather jacket.

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Cory Monteith At The 2010 Teen Choice Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2010 Teen Choice Awards — Cory Montieth arrives at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards. He was handsome, as always.

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Cory Monteith At The 2010 Emmys

Cory Monteith At The 2010 Emmys — Cory Monteith attends the 62nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on Aug. 29, 2010. He looked fresh-faced.

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Cory Monteith At The 2010 SAG Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2010 SAG Awards — Cory Monteith graces the red carpet of the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles. Looking good.

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Cory Monteith Wins At The 2010 SAG Awards

Cory Monteith Wins At The 2010 SAG Awards — Cory Monteith from ‘Glee’ poses backstage after the cast of “Glee” won the award for best comedy ensemble at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild awards. It was Jan 23, 2010.

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Dianna Agron & Cory Monteith On ‘The X Factor’ In 2010

Dianna Agron & Cory Monteith On ‘The X Factor’ In 2010 — ‘Glee’ co-stars Dianna Agron and Cory Monteith appear on ‘The X Factor’ on Dec. 5, 2010. They matched in gold and black ensembles.

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Cory Monteith At The 2010 Golden Globe Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2010 Golden Globe Awards — Cory Monteith attends the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 17, 2010. He offered a wry smile at the cameras.

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Cory Monteith At A 2011 Party

Cory Monteith At A 2011 Party — Cory Monteith attneds Fox’s Fall Eco-Casino Party 2011 on Sep. 12. He was dressed down in a jacket with rolled up sleeves and a V-neck tee shirt.

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Cory Monteith At ‘Glee Live! In Concert’

Cory Monteith At ‘Glee Live! In Concert’ — Cory Monteith takes the stage during ‘Glee Live! In Concert’ in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Jun. 8, 2011. He wore a red polo and sang his heart out.

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Cory Monteith At The 2011 Teen Choice Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2011 Teen Choice Awards — Surf’s up! Cory Monteith wins a 2011 Teen Choice Award on Aug. 7.

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Cory Monteith Wins A ‘Do Something Award’ In 2012

Cory Monteith Wins A ‘Do Something Award’ In 2012 — Cory Monteith takes the stage during the 2012 Do Something Awards. He was handsome in a vest.

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Cory Monteith & Lea Michele At The 2012 Do Something Awards

Cory Monteith & Lea Michele At The 2012 Do Something Awards — Cory Monteith and Lea Michele cuddled up during the 2012 Do Something Awards in LA on Aug. 19.

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Cory Monteith At The 2012 Chrysalis Butterfly Ball

Cory Monteith At The 2012 Chrysalis Butterfly Ball — Cory Monteith poses at the 11th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on Jun. 9, 2012 in Los Angeles. He had on a serious face.

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Cory Monteith At The 2012 SAG Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2012 SAG Awards — Cory Monteith looks dapper as he arrives at the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 29, 2012. He donned a velvet suit.

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Cory Monteith & Lea Michele In 2012

Cory Monteith & Lea Michele In 2012 — Cory Monteith and Lea Michele attend the 2012 Do Something Awards on Aug. 19, 2012. She looked smitten.

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Cory Monteith & Lea Michele In 2013

Cory Monteith & Lea Michele In 2013 — Cory Monteith and Lea Michele attend the 12th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on Jun. 8, 2013 in Los Angeles. She was radiant in a beaded dress while he wore grey.

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Cory Monteith At The 2013 SAG Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2013 SAG Awards — Cory Monteith looks handsome in a grey tux with black lapels during the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in LA on Jan. 27, 2013. How dapper.

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Cory Monteith At The 2013 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

Cory Monteith At The 2013 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards — Cory Monteith looks sharp during the18th Annual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards on Jan. 10, 2013. He teamed his suit with a skinny black tie.

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Lea Michele & Cory Monteith At The 2013 SAG Awards

Lea Michele & Cory Monteith At The 2013 SAG Awards — Lea Michele glows in pink as she and Cory Monteith attend the 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on Jan. 27, 2013. He wrapped his arm around his co-star/girlfriend.

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