‘Glee’ star Jacob Artist calls Monteith tribute ‘beautifully well done’

TORONTO — One of Glee‘s newest stars said Friday the tribute episode to the late Canadian actor Cory Monteith is one of his favourites.

“It was so beautifully well done and it just really represents all the love and respect that everyone on Glee had for him,” said Jacob Artist of the Oct. 10 episode entitled The Quarterback.

Artist, who is now in his sophomore season on Glee, said filming the episode was difficult.

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“But being in an environment that he loved so much has been a great healing process for everybody,” he explained during an appearance on Global’s The Morning Show. “We’re all there to lean on each other, so that’s definitely helped.”

The 20-year-old actor was born and raised in the Buffalo, New York area — in the shadow of Southern Ontario. He recalled regularly visiting the tourist attractions on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls and at least one trip to Toronto when he was 15.

Artist grew up dancing and, after graduating from high school, was accepted to the dance program at Julliard.

“It’s funny that I’m dancing now in my job after I danced for my whole life,” he said, referring to his role on Glee.

“I was a fan of the show prior to going on it,” added Artist. “It’s been an unbelievable ride for sure.”

Season 5 of Glee debuts on Global on Sept. 26.