Jane Lynch: Cory Monteith ‘Bright Light,’ Flew Across Country To Grant Sick Kid’s Last Wish [Video]

Jane Lynch talked about Cory Monteith on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno Wednesday night — the first time that a Glee cast member has stepped forward to speak out about the 31-year-old star’s tragic death. You can see the video that NBC has posted by hitting that button.

It’s clear that it’s painful and emotional for Jane Lynch to discuss Cory Monteith’s death so soon. It’s equally clear that she wanted people to understand what a “bright light” and a giving personality the world has lost.

But it took a lot of courage to speak in public when it’s clear that she is still fighting back the tears. A typical comment from YouTube viewers might be this one from Nanna261197: “I’m so proud of Jane for doing this, you can hear her pain, the way her voice almost cracks. It really brought me to tears. Rest in peace Cory, the world misses you!”

Monteith was only 31 years old when he was found dead very early Sunday morning in a Vancouver, British Columbia hotel room from an overdose of heroin and alcohol. He had recently completed a stint in rehab but apparently he couldn’t beat his addictions.

Since then, friends and family members have held various impromptu gatherings to remember his brief life. You can read a bit more about those vigils, including some thoughts from his cousin Richart Monteith here.

Some key comments from Jane Lynch on Cory Monteith:

• “Cory was one of the biggest hearts, was a real bright light, and he was one of those guys who knew he was breathing rarified air…”
• “He was always aware that it was a gift, and he was always quite generous…he’d fly to Mexico, he’d throw parties for his friends.”
• “I don’t think he left one day unlived.”
• “He once flew across the country on his own nickel to meet with a sick kid whose last wish was to meet him. That’s the kind of guy he was.”

Although it’s difficult for her to speak, Jane Lynch wants us to remember Cory Monteith’s good heart, not just his problems.

[Cory Monteith photo by DFree / Shutterstock.com]