‘Glee’ Pays Tribute To Cory Monteith In Emotional Farewell Episode

Glee paid tribute to late actor Cory Monteith, who played the quarterback named Finn, as show executives finally revealed how they would acknowledge his character’s death.

During the much anticipate episode, the cast remembered Monteith and celebrated Finn’s life.

Until tonight’s telecast, It was unclear how the show would handle the tragic passing of Cory Monteith, who played one of the main characters, but everyone involved conducted themselves with grace and dignity.

The episode didn’t show how Finn died or his funeral, instead the tribute focused on who Finn was and how he lived his life. The events pick up several weeks after his death, while his friends are still reeling from his premature passing.

The 31-year-old actor was found dead of an accidental drug and alcohol overdose in his Montreal hotel room in July of this year.

Show producers decided not to disclose the cause of Finn’s death and so viewers were left with only the good memories.

During the emotional Glee tribute, High School principal Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch, said, when asked how his friends could honor Finn, “By not making a self-serving spectacle of our own sadness.”

Emotions were clearly raw as the cast joined in song, performing “Fire and Rain”, ”525,600 Minutes”, and “If I Die Young.”

Of course, all eyes were on Lea Michele, who plays Rachel and was Cory Monteith’s girlfriend in real life. She has said she is devastated by the loss of her boyfriend.

Rachel had a relatively small part in the touching episode, as it was a difficult one for her personally. She appeared in the last part of Thursday’s show.

“I loved Finn,” Rachel said, as she addressed the glee club, then she proceeded to sing the promised song “Make You Feel My Love.”

A public announcement at the end of the Glee tribute, delivered by cast members, discussed Cory Monteith’s drug addiction, which led to his death. The show takes a few weeks break for post season baseball.