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Cory Monteith began his career in a number of small roles. But Glee, a show set in the small town of Lima, Ohio, was Monteith’s breakthrough.

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Glee became an instant hit when it debuted in 2009 and made celebrities of Cory Monteith and the rest of the relatively unknown cast over the past four seasons.Patrick Ecclesine

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Monteith served as the show’s resident hunk with a heart of gold. He played Finn Hudson, a football quarterback with two left feet who found more camaraderie in the choir room than on the football field.Matthias Clamer

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He delivered renditions of such classics as U2’s One and R.E.M.’s Losing My Religion.Adam Rose

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After his character graduated high school, Hudson sought out to find himself before settling on what he wanted to do with his life: become a teacher and mentor.Carin Baer

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A big part of the show was his character’s on-again-off-again romance with glee club star Rachel Berry, an aspiring entertainer played by Lea Michele.Adam Rose

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Monteith and Michele followed in the footsteps of their fictional counterparts by dating in real life, and were first photographed together as a couple in the spring of 2010. In this 2009 photo, the cast discussed their new show at the Fox Summer Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California.FRED PROUSER/Reuters

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Glee became known for its catchy song-and-dance numbers and high-profile guest stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and Britney Spears. Here, Dr. Carl (guest star John Stamos) interrupts a performance with Finn and Rachel.Adam Rose

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Before becoming an actor, Monteith worked as a Wal-Mart people greeter in Nanaimo, B.C., as well as a taxicab driver, school bus driver, and roofer. He had minor roles in other films before joining the cast of Glee, which debuted in 2009.Adam Rose

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The executive producers of Glee and Fox issued a statement on Saturday night, saying, “We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”Micahel Yarish

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