Cory Monteith, Romy Rosemont and Mike O’Malley on an episode of ‘Glee’.Photo:FOX Image Collection via Getty
FOX Image Collection via Getty
GleealumniKevin McHaleandJenna Ushkowitzare reflecting on how their cast paid tribute toCory Monteithon- and off-screen following the actor’sshocking deathin 2013.
McHale, 36, and Ushkowitz, 38, are nearing the end of their rewatch ofGleefor their podcast,And That’s What You Really Missed.They reflected on the series' direction after31-year-old Monteith diedbefore season 5 began filming.
In the pair’s Sunday, Jan. 19 episode, in which they discussed season 5, episode 11, “City of Angels,” the two revealed how Monteith’s on-screen parents,Romy RosemontandMike O’Malley, were supportive of the grieving younger stars on set.
In the episode, the Glee Club competes at Nationals and dedicates their performance to their late co-director, Finn Hudson. The group also brings along Finn’s mother, Carole Hudson-Hummel (Rosemont), and stepfather, Burt Hummel (O’Malley).
Romy Rosemont, Cory Monteith and Mike O’Malley.Broadimage/Shutterstock; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
Broadimage/Shutterstock; Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty
McHale explained that fans could see the cast members crying over losing their real friend in “Quarterback” — the episode in which Monteith’s character, Finn, died. “You see us crying and, like, how real that is, but we were not happy to be there,” he said. “Every time Mike [O’Malley] and Romy [Rosemont] speak, we are all in tears. But we’re smiling because it’s the way they fill up a room. They both are so warm.”
Ushkowitz added that O’Malley, 58, and Rosemont, 60, were “so thoughtful.”
“They’re always very sound in their advice and how they led us as a company sometimes and gave us advice as veterans who had worked before on big shows,” Ushkowitz said. “They’ve always been like parental figures to us. So to have them, and also have them connected to Finn as deeply as they were, both on-screen and off, it was very satisfying as well.”
The actress said that production “picked all the right people for this episode to honor Finn.”
Cory Monteith on season 4 of “Glee.” in 2013.FOX Image Collection via Getty
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Before the original Glee Club begins singing U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” in Nationals,Carol turns to Burt and tearfully reveals the group is singing all of his favorite songs.
McHale said when watching that, he felt like he couldn’t handle it, and Ushkowitz immediately agreed: “It’s too much.”
source: people.com
