Lynch Remembers Monteith: He Was a Bright Light

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The stars of Glee are grieving the loss of their friend and co-star Cory Monteith in the days after his sudden death, including Jane Lynch, who remembers the 31-year-old as "a bright light" to any and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

"He once flew across the country on his own nickel to meet with a sick kid whose last wish was to meet him," recalled Lynch Wednesday night during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. "That was the kind of guy he was. Just a real giver."

PICS: Remembering Cory Monteith

The 53-year-old actress spoke at great length about her late friend and co-star, who passed July 13, and rather than focus on the tragic event, preferred to remember the sweet, talented man she'd come to know and love.

"Cory was one of the biggest hearts and was a real bright light," she said. "He was one of those guys that knew he was rarefied air from the gifts this show, this wonderful show gave us. He was always aware that it was a gift. He was quite generous and one of those adventurous types of people. You know, I always admired how he'd get up and fly to Mexico, throw parties for his friends. I don't think he left one day un-lived. He was a real bright light in our family. We've lost a really great guy."

VIDEO: Cory Monteith's Private Home Tour

Monteith was found deceased in his room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, shortly after noon on July 13. Coroners concluded the star died of a mixed drug toxicity involving heroin and alcohol.