Glee cast's tributes come pouring in for Cory Monteith

News of Cory Monteith's death has hit Hollywood hard, and a slew of heartfelt tributes have come pouring in for the tragic Glee star.

The 31-year-old singer/actor, who played the show's hunky heart-throb Finn Hudson, was found dead in a hotel in Vancouver, Canada, over the weekend, and Twitter and Facebook were abuzz as stunned Gleeks around the world learned about his passing.

Now Cory's former colleagues are starting to speak out to express their shock and devastation, starting with Matthew Morrison, who played Finn's mentor-turned-best friend in the show.

Matthew, or Mr Schuester in Glee, called Cory his "brother" at his concert in New York on Sunday, and confessed he's still coming to terms with the news. Dedicating a song to his late pal, he told the crowd: "You guys came to see a show. I came to perform a show, so that's what we'll do. And we'll do it in Cory's honour."

Gwyneth Paltrow, who guest starred in Glee as Spanish teacher Holly Holliday, has declared she is keeping Cory's on- and off-screen love Lea Michele in her thoughts: "Cory was a sweet and talented man. My heart breaks for Lea and the entire Glee family."

Mark Salling, who played Cory's BFF Noah Puckerman, tweeted, "Going through a million memories and emotions today. I'll love you always brother Cory," while Harry Shum, Jr. (aka Cory's classmate Mike Chang) adds, "At this time, please send nothing but love and light. This tragic news still doesn't seem real to me. I love you Cory."

Fellow Glee star Lauren Potter, who plays cheerleader Becky Jackson, posted a picture of herself and Cory on Twitter with the caption: "I am totally heartbroken right now. I love Cory so much this hurts my heart. Cory was always so nice to me. I have so many good memories."

John Stamos, who had a guest role as Dr Carl Howell, is still in shock. He writes, "First day on Glee he said to me, 'I can't believe I'm working w/ (with you).' I can't believe I'm writing this tweet. Heartbreaking. RIP Cory. We talked about how lucky he felt to be alive and sober. We talked about playing drums. Glad I knew you Cory."

Lea Michele has yet to break her silence on her boyfriend's death but her publicist says in a statement, "We ask that everyone kindly respect Lea's privacy during this devastating time."