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Entertainment • Actor

Cory Monteith

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician best known for playing Finn Hudson on the television series *Glee*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician best known for playing Finn Hudson on the television series *Glee*. He died in Vancouver on July 13, 2013, at age 31 from mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol, and his death was ruled accidental. Monteith was a Canadian entertainer born in Calgary, Alberta, and his death was investigated by the British Columbia Coroners Service.

Early life and career

Cory Monteith was a Canadian actor and musician from Calgary, Alberta. He became a prominent television actor through his work on *Glee*.

Death

Monteith was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room on July 13, 2013. The coroner concluded that he died from mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol, and the death was ruled accidental.

Filmography

Monteith appeared in several films in addition to his television work. His film credits included roles in *Final Destination 3*, *Sisters & Brothers*, *All the Wrong Reasons*, and *McCanick*.

Public response

News coverage of his death emphasized the accidental nature of the overdose and the absence of evidence of foul play. His death was widely reported in Canada and internationally.

Key facts

  • He was born in Calgary, Alberta, and was Canadian.
  • Monteith became widely known for his role as Finn Hudson on *Glee*.
  • He died on July 13, 2013, in a Vancouver hotel room.
  • The British Columbia coroner said his death resulted from mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.
  • He was 31 years old when he died.
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Canadian context

Monteith was a Canadian entertainer born in Calgary, Alberta, and he died in Vancouver, British Columbia; his death was investigated by the British Columbia Coroners Service.[1][2][7]

Frequently asked questions

How did Cory Monteith die?
He died from mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol in a Vancouver hotel room.
How old was Cory Monteith when he died?
He was 31 years old.
Who was Cory Monteith dating?
At the time of his death, he was dating actress Lea Michele.
What movies was Cory Monteith in?
His film credits included *Final Destination 3*, *Sisters & Brothers*, *All the Wrong Reasons*, and *McCanick*.
What was Cory Monteith's cause of death?
The British Columbia coroner determined the cause of death was mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cory_Monteith
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, Canadian identity, death location, age at death, relationship to Lea Michele, and filmography.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-23338486
    Supports: Coroner's finding that death was from heroin and alcohol overdose and was treated as a tragic accident.
  3. BC Coroners Service — https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/news/2013/2013jag0218-001110.pdf
    Supports: Official confirmation of age 31 and mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter — https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/cory-monteith-death-autopsy-reveals-585528/
    Supports: Initial autopsy report stating mixed-drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol and age 31.
  5. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/cory-monteith-autopsy-toxicology-completed-1.1311992
    Supports: Coroner investigation context and note that no foul play was indicated.