justplainbil

Just Plain Bill

A diversion from my reminiscing

When I first heard that Cory Monteith, a star of the successful TV show Glee had passed away, I felt the need to step away from my usual reminiscing and write something about him. I was…still am…a big fan. Frankly, it has taken me time to finish this entry.

It was widely reported that the 31-year old actor struggled with substance abuse. It was also reported that he started using at the age of 13. Monteith had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and had made several attempts at rehab.

When reflecting on what has been called a “tragic accident”, I wonder what would drive a handsome, talented, singer and actor to escape what most everyone else would call an ideal life. Drug abuse is defined as a disease by some. Call it drug use, and the definition seems watered down to that of a lifestyle choice. At 13, I suppose Monteith made a choice to try drugs for the first time in order to find peace or solace that escaped him for some reason. Tragically, that choice all those years ago became a disease that ultimately took his life. 

It’s just so very, very sad. It’s not possible to even imagine the pain that Cory must have been feeling, a pain that couldn’t be masked or mitigated by the fame and popularity that seemed to surround him.

Hopefully, Monteith’s passing can help others battling their addictions. There are both “ordinary people” and people experiencing fame and fortune that need to find help before it’s too late.

I will miss him and the character he played so well on a show I really enjoy. But, it will be impossible to watch the show without thinking of him…without sadness creeping into what is supposed to be entertainment.

May he rest in peace.