Mike O'Malley, who plays Kurt Hummel's father on the hit U.S. musical drama 'Glee', has opened up about the shocking and untimely death of cast member Cory Monteith.

Monteith was found dead in a Canadian hotel earlier this month and passed away from an overdose of heroin and alcohol, and O'Malley told the Television Critics Association that the young actor and singer was such an important and amazing part of the series.

He explained: "I'm here doing (another show) 'Welcome to the Family,' and we shoot one episode five days a week. But Burt is a very important role to me." O'Malley (pictured above left with Monteith) added: "It's been a great part and I've said to all those guys, that I'll work early in the morning, late at night, Saturday, Sunday, whatever I need to do to participate and continue to be on that show honoring Cory and his passing and that character. He is my stepson on that show. I certainly plan on being there."

'Glee' is set to resume filming on September 26, one week later than originally planned, and a tribute episode dedicated to Monteith will be included in the season.

Watch Monteith recreate his 'Glee' audition below: