Jane Lynch choked up while talking about “Glee” co-star Cory Monteith during Wednesday’s episode of “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Monteith died Saturday. He was 31. Officials say heroin and alcohol were found in his system.
Lynch and Monteith worked on the show together for four seasons – Lynch as hard-edged cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester, Monteith as football player-turned-singer Finn Hudson.
Lynch appeared on “Tonight Show” to discuss her new series, “Hollywood Game Night,” but the conversation shifted to weightier topics. Lynch reflected on Monteith’s heart, remembering how he once flew across the country to meet a dying fan.
“He was a real bright light, and he was one of those guys that … he knew he was breathing rarified air, the gifts that this wonderful show gave us,” she said.
“He was always aware that it was a gift. And he was quite generous, and one of those adventurous types of people. I always admired how he’d get up and fly to Mexico and he’d throw parties for his friends, and I don’t think he left one day unlived.”