Chicago Sun Times
By ALICIA RANCILIO
Cory Monteith tries to be a regular guy, despite his success with “Glee.”
The 28-year-old plays Finn Hudson, a lovable dope who is the quarterback on his high school football team, on Fox’s Tuesday night hit. Finn also sings in the school’s show choir and consistently finds himself being pulled in both directions: Is he a jock or a creative? Can’t he be both? High school isn’t that simple.
While his character is unsure about where he stands, Monteith wavers between being on a Golden Globe-winning TV show and a kid from Canada who loves to perform. Can’t he be both? He hopes so.
Monteith, who grew up in Victoria, British Columbia, had some acting experience but not much before “Glee.” He had a recurring role on “Kyle XY,” which aired on ABC Family and acted in Vancouver stage productions.
Monteith moved to Los Angeles when he scored a role on “Glee.” He now lives in a house in Los Angeles with four roommates and is the only actor in the group.
“That was something I was really careful about,” he explains. “There are those ‘actor houses,’ believe me. … There are quads of those actors that sort of roll in groups. It’s not my thing.”
Overall, Monteith isn’t too worried about his image.
“It’s not like I’m living double lives as a secret agent or a transvestite. What are they gonna find? If I were dating someone or if I had a family life, that could be a little difficult. That’s not the case. I’m kind of boring for the press or the paparazzi.”
Beyond “Glee,” Monteith wants to do more but isn’t in a rush to take on projects just because he can. They need to feel right. He has a record deal but is waiting to find the right direction to take it in.
Monteith may not want to get ahead of himself, but his co-stars have confidence in his abilities.
“Working with Cory is such a joy, says co-star Lea Michele. “He is committed, focused and so much fun. His story to success is so inspirational, he truly deserves all of this.”