Glee's Jenna Ushkowitz and Charice Remember Cory Monteith

Glee star, Jenna Ushkowitz, who plays the underappreciated Tina Cohen-Chang on the FOX musical dramedy, broke her silence to share her thoughts on the passing of her friend and co-star, Cory Monteith.

She instagrammed this photo of the original gang, including (clockwise) Tina (in the purple hat), Chris Colfer, Kevin McHale, Amber Riley, Lea Michele and Cory Monteith.

I am so grateful that Glee brought this group of extraordinary individuals together to form a family. I was lucky enough to closely experience the love and light that Cory shared with the world, as well as having the privilege of traveling down the road together on a once in a lifetime journey. Cory always reminded me to be gracious, kind and open, and he will leave a mark in my heart forever. Thank you everyone for your constant support and love while we mourn the loss of our dear friend, and continued support to Cory’s family, and to Lea.

And singer, Charice, who guest starred in 3 episodes as the big voiced rival singer, Sunshine Corazon, told a story, in a guest editorial for CNN, that reveals what a mensch Cory could be. He made a mental note of her birthday, and made sure everyone on set knew it.

I was a tad emotional when the clock struck 12 midnight — not because I was tired — but because May 10 was my birthday. And I, a girl from the barrio of Gulod in the far-flung Philippines, was alone in America.

My family was not there, my friends were not there, I didn’t have my loved ones there to celebrate my birthday. It didn’t help that we all still had a long way to go on that day at the set of “Glee.”

But Cory came to the rescue, just in time, with his sweet greeting: “Happy birthday, Charice!” A big smile crossed his handsome face. There was sincerity in his tone as he gave me a tight hug. He became family to me at that moment.

In the remaining hours of our shoot, Cory told me he had Googled me and found my date of my birth. Cool Cory’s act of kindness. He told other members of the “Glee” cast that it was my birthday and I was floored at how many of them greeted me with their warm birthday wishes.

My body felt cold when I learned about his death. Too soon, too early, too young. I never thanked Cory enough for that one moment in time when he made me feel like family. I never thanked him enough for making me happy on that lonely day.

Glee will return to FOX on September 26. Episode 3 of Season 5 will serve as a tribute to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of Cory Monteith and his beloved character, Finn Hudson, according to recent interviews with co-creator and producer, Ryan Murphy.

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Glee’s Jenna Ushkowitz and Charice Remember Cory Monteith