Cory Monteith's mom finally spoke up in time for son's death anniversary after her son was found dead in his Vancouver hotel room last July 13, 2013.
Cory Monteith's mom, Ann McGregor, spoke about his death as she sat down with ABC News' Bianna Gologryga in an exclusive interview last Tuesday July 16 to speak about his son, who died of a lethal mixture of alcohol and drugs, which included intravenous heroin, based on police reports.
Cory was 31 years old and the star of Fox's hit musical show "Glee," where he played lead character Finn Hudson.
"The loss is horrendous," said Cory Monteith's mom. She says she just recently came to accept the death of her son, saying "until three days ago I couldn't look at a picture of Cory... So there's been progress".
The 63-year-old Ann McGregor, from Victoria, British Columbia, said she last saw her son two days before his death, as he was planning to sign a lease on a place in Vancouver. Asked whether the TV star wanted to give Hollywood up, Cory Monteith's mom revealed: "I think he was easing himself out of it".
Cory Monteith's mom revealed that the actor's estranged father, Joe Monteith, may have influenced her son's troubles: "He had a lot of emotional things he was trying to figure out -- lot of it was he really wanted a relationship with his father".
According to Ann McGregor, Cory's father never showed any interest in his son's life, until his last two years when the TV star became very successful. "I think when a child gets invalidated they keep reaching even harder. They want to find out why," she said.
According to Cory's close friend Ward Kondas, it appeared the late actor "wasn't that interested" in having a relationship with his father. "In my own grief I neglected to invite (Joe)," Kondas said to ABC News. "I apologized to him and took responsibility for my mistake in a telephone call where I informed him of what the last six months of Cory's life was like and how he died."
Cory Monteith's mom also showed ABC News several never-before-seen photos of her son and home video of him as a child, describing him as a "smart boy," despite having a mischievous side.
She narrated: "By the time he was three he could read and comprehend books. They pushed him a year ahead. Take a boy out of kindergarten at five years old, throw him into grade one and he was still beyond them. They actually pushed him into grade two that same year".
Cory Monteith's mom continued: "But he still kind of, you know, left them in the dust... So he lost interest in school. He was always kind of, you know, looking for - stimulation."
Ann McGregor revealed that Cory was 15 when he started to get into trouble with drugs. "[When] Cory was 15, he did a code blue," she said, referring to an overdose in which her son almost died, "and I think that was the turning point."
Aware that mothers of other stars may be facing similar problems, Cory Monteith's mom says: "What could I say to them? Live every moment. Grab the second".
"I don't think we have power to change the choices they're making. I think with the kind of connection Cory and I had, if we couldn't prevent that situation, I don't have the answer," McGregor admitted.
Cory Monteith's mom also admitted that she does not blame Hollywood for her son's death, acknowledging Cory's talent as "pretty amazing" and something that she will always be in awe of. McGregor shared: "I don't think blame is a good thing to do; that was his choice".
Cory Monteith's mom also revealed during the ABC News interview that she is still in touch with her son's then-girlfriend and "Glee" co-star Lea Michele through texts and emails.
"She's hurting too ... you see the sadness," McGregor said, adding, "I know her pain."
According to a report from E! Online Michele and other "Glee" cast members took to social media their respective tributes for Cory's 1st death anniversary last Sunday, July 13.
"We hold you in our hearts today, and every day we remember your smile. We will love you and miss you always," posted Michele.
Michele's post was retweeted by Chris Colfer, who played Cory's "Glee" stepbrother, Kurt Hummell.
Other "Glee" stars who posted tributes for Cory included Matthew Morrison (Mr. Schue), Amber Riley (Mercedes Jones), Kevin McHale (Artie Abrams), Dot-Marie Jones (Coach Beiste), Harry Shum Jr. (Mike Chang) and series co-creator Ryan Murphy.
