Following Cory Monteith's tragic death on July 13, Bravo is opting to reair the "Glee" star's appearance on "Inside the Actors Studio," which featured the 31-year-old actor and his co-stars last year.
Host James Lipton recalled guest-starring on "Glee" in a statement that accompanied Bravo's announcement: "When I appeared as myself on 'Glee,' I auditioned Cory’s character, Finn, for the Actors Studio Drama School -- and rejected him. That’s the way Ryan Murphy wrote it. I would have admitted him -- in a New York minute."
Lipton also shared Monteith's surprisingly thoughtful response to his question, "If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?" According to Lipton, "Cory’s God said, ‘Uh, sorry I haven’t been around. There’s a good explanation.’" Lipton added, "I certainly hope there is. We needed Cory’s gifts.”
"Glee" Season 5 was scheduled to begin production in late July, but according to The Wrap, producers and Fox executives are now trying to decide how best to handle Monteith's death on-screen -- which could result in a postponement of "Glee's" Season 5 premiere from September 19.
"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news. Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones," "Glee" executive producers, 20th Century Fox Television and Fox Broadcasting Company said in a statement.
Monteith's "Glee" character, Finn, was last seen studying to become a teacher. The star was absent from the final few episodes of Season 4 after entering rehab.
The "Inside the Actors Studio" episode will be repeated on Bravo on Thursday, July 18 at 6 p.m. ET.
