Cory Monteith has been given a send-off by fans and the TV industry who honored the late Glee star with a heartfelt and poignant tribute during last night's Emmy awards. Monteith will be remembered in a special tribute episode during Glee's return to television next month but the Emmys gave actress and Cory's co-star Jane Lynch a chance to say a few words about her lost friend.

Cory Monteith
Cory's Death Came As A Nasty Shock To Those Who Loved Him And The Show.

Lynch, who plays the sports coach on the popular high school musical series, took to the stage during a special 'in memoriam' segment to share photos of the 31 year-old who passed away last month as well as say a few words about his life.

Holding back her emotions long enough to speak for a minute on Monteith's life, Lynch described the cast of Glee as being "like family" and said that her former co-star had "a star quality and genuine sweetness that made it impossible not to fall in love with him." She added "And millions did fall in love with Cory."

Watch Jane Lynch's Emotional Cory Monteith Tribute:

Her speech took a darker turn when she moved to address the cause of Cory's death. Though she described him as "a beautiful soul," she added "He was not perfect, which many of us here tonight can relate to. His death is a tragic reminder of the rapacious, senseless destruction that is brought on by addiction."

Cory Monteith Lea Michele Naya Rivera
Cory With Lea Michele & Naya Rivera: The Glee Cast Remember Their Fallen Star.

Welling up with emotion, Lynch told how her talented friend was everything he appeared to be on the show: "I'm here to say that all that warmth and that charm, that open-hearted quality that we loved in Cory was no act," continuing "if you were lucky enough to [witness] first-hand Cory's goofy, breezy sense of humour, his natural instinct for inclusiveness, and his unbridled sense of generosity day in and day out, I promise, you would have loved him even more."

Other industry names honored included James Gandolfini, Gary David Goldberg, Jean Stapleton and Jonathan Winters.

Jane Lynch
Jane Lynch Gave Monteith A Heartfelt Tribute.

Cory's was arguably one of the most publicised deaths that rocked the entertainment industry this year, after his July death resulting from heroin and alcohol abuse, so it was fitting that he should be remembered in the year's celebration of the best TV shows.

Some argued that alongside James Gandolfini and other recently deceased actors, Cory's career wasn't long or illustrious enough to warrant an Emmys tribute. However, it was undeniable that Monteith's passing was a huge loss to fans, to the show and to the TV industry.