‘Glee’ season 5: Mark Salling, more stars past and present tribute Cory Monteith

While we await further details about the passing of “Glee” star Cory Monteith from earlier this morning, we wanted to take a look back now at some of the people who were with the actor at the very beginning of his rise to fame with the Fox show. The pilot for this series was commissioned over five years ago and aired in 2009, and many of the actors that appeared on the show then are not a part of it today.

Take, for example, Patrick Gallagher, who played football coach Ken Tanaka before leaving in lieu of Coach Beiste. (Ironically, he did turn up again during season 4 as a a surprise to many.) After first hoping that the rumors of Cory’s death were not true, he posted the following on Twitter:

“So very sad…too soon for a really wonderful and talented guy #RipCoryMonteith”

Meanwhile, Stephen Tobolowsky (who played controversial teacher Sandy Ryerson) offered a lengthy, heartfelt tribute:

“I am overwhelmed by the news of Cory. Sweet, kind, so filled with joy. One of the dearest souls I ever met. My heart to his family and love. Cory was the epitome of joy. Always a smile. Tireless as a performer. Could always make you laugh even on a hard day. Dear Dear man. He was always making joke when things got tense. He seemed to have endless resilience.Question to the universe – What is the purpose of joy?”

Mark Salling remains the only McKinley High student featured in the pilot to be speaking out on the subject now; while he deleted his initial tweet reading “no,” he posted a new message this afternoon:

“Going through a million memories and emotions today. ill love you always Brother Cory.”

Salling had spoken recently about a new beginning since it was announced that he and many other actors were no longer series regulars for “Glee” season 5, and we only hope that whenever the show starts back, all of the stars from the past are brought back in his memory.

If you do want to read more news about Monteith’s death, including viewing our new video discussing his memory, be sure to check out the story over here.

Photo: Fox