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'Glee' Star Cory Monteith Found Dead

VANCOUVER (CBSLA.com) — Police in Vancouver say actor and "Glee" star Cory Monteith has been found dead in a hotel room.

Cory Allan Michael Monteith was 31.

The Canadian-born Monteith was open about his battles with drugs and entered rehab a few months ago.

Raised by a single mother, Monteith first started battling drugs and alcohol when he was a teenager. He credited an intervention three years later with turning his life around.

Monteith had a series of guest roles in shows like "Kyle XY," "Supernatural" and "Stargate Atlantis." On the big screen, he had small roles in movies like "Whisper" and "Final Destination 3."

It was "Glee" – where he played kind and understanding football player turned choral singer Finn Hudson -- that made him a big TV star.

Monteith was involved off-camera with on-screen girlfriend Lea Michele. She plays Rachel Berry.

When Monteith returned to rehab a few months ago, Michele  publicly supported him and the decision to get help.

When he auditioned for "Glee" he did so by playing drums with pencils. He had in his own words "no" vocal ability but soon became one of the show's most popular characters and a male lead.

At a press conference Saturday evening, police said Monteith checked into the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on July 6th. He was due to check out today, according to acting police chief Doug LePard.

His body was discovered in his 21st story room around noon, after he failed to check out.

Monteith was seen going in and out of his room last night with various friends but police said he was alone in the room when he died.

Melissa Kates, Monteith's publicist, confirmed the news. "We are so saddened to confirm that the reports on the death of Cory Monteith are accurate. We are in shock and mourning this tragic loss."

An autopsy is scheduled for Monday, said police. They do not believe foul play was involved.

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