Cory Monteith's sudden death of a heroin and alcohol overdose earlier this month left "Glee's" producers and stars wondering how to carry on with a show on which the 31-year-old Canadian actor played such an vital role. In multiple interviews to the press, creator Ryan Murphy said he had left the decision to Monteith's girlfriend and co-star, Lea Michele, who wanted the show to continue in manner that dealt responsibly and respectfully with his memory and the grief of his family and friends.
On Thursday, both Murphy and Michele organized a memorial for Monteith with the "Glee" community, part of many steps the cast and crew will take to move on in the wake of their friend's passing.
"Today, Ryan Murphy and Lea Michele gathered the cast, crew and producers of Glee, along with colleagues from the network and studio, to share memories and music in an emotional celebration of the life of Cory Monteith," the network said in a statement.
"We thank the public for their continued outpouring of love and support as we grieve our friend and colleague during this difficult time."
According to the Los Angeles Times, there are few details about the memorial, though it was probably held on the Fox lot in Century City, Los Angeles.
Fox and Murphy have pushed "Glee's" premiere date back one week to September 26. Production on the show will start in August instead of July, and grief counselors will be on set.
"The right thing to do for the show, at least at this point, is to have that character pass. When we do the tribute episode to that character, we'll have to do it in a way where the cast members will not have to re-create feelings of grief that they've had this week -- but do it in an upbeat way," Murphy said recently.
