Glee star Jane Lynch has paid tribute to her late colleague Cory Monteith.

The 31-year-old actor was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room on Saturday (July 13), leading to much shock in the entertainment industry.

It was later revealed by coroners that Monteith passed away as a result of a deadly mix of heroin and alcohol.

Speaking on the Today Show, Lynch spoke emotionally about her co-star, who was a "bright light" in the Glee family. She said:

"Cory's one of the biggest hearts, was a real bright light. He was one of those guys that, you know, he knew he was breathing rarefied air - the gifts that this wonderful show gave us. He was always aware that it was a gift and he was quite generous. He was one of those adventurous types...I always admired how he would get up... you know, he would fly to Mexico, he'd throw parties for his friends. I don't think he left one day unlived. He was a real bright light in our family and we've lost a really great guy."

The talented actress added: "He once flew across the country on his own nickel to meet with a sick kid whose last wish was to meet him. That's the kind of guy he was. Just a real giver."