Bleiberg EntertainmentIt's been exactly one month since Cory Monteith's tragic passing, but his memory still lives on in what turned out to be his last role.
A new photo from the late Glee star's final film McCanick—in which the late 31-year-old actor played a drug-addicted street hustler—was released today following the announcement the flick will be making its much-anticipated debut at the Toronto International Film Festival in September.
In the photo, Monteith is featured as Simon Weeks, a young criminal whose release from prison triggers a frenzy of violence as two policemen mercilessly hunt down Weeks in an effort to hide one of the officer's past.
Monteith is barely recognizable with his long brown locks, giving an older gentleman a meaningful stare while dressed in street clothes and covering his head with a hoodie.
Although the late star never had the opportunity to discuss his final role, director Josh C. Waller has spoken out about his time working with Cory, admitting he thought filming was a "cathartic experience" for the actor, whose role paralleled his real-life struggle with drug addiction.
"When I met with him, he wanted to do it so badly," the director said of Cory's role in McCanick. "He was very vocal about his past, and said he wanted to tap into things from his youth that he hadn't been able to use as an actor yet."
Monteith was pronounced dead at the age of 31 July 13 due to a lethal combination of heroin and alcohol. His body was found in his room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in downtown Vancouver after he missed his 12 p.m. checkout time.
On Sunday, Lea Michele gave a tearful speech at the Teen Choice Awards, gushing over Monteith's unbelievable talent while dedicating her accolade to her late beloved beau.
"I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory. For all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love, we're gonna get through this together. He was very special to me and also to the world, and we were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile and his beautiful, beautiful heart," she said. "So whether you knew him personally or just as Finn Hudson, Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts. And that's where he'll stay forever."
Indeed.