Lea Michele has paid tribute to her late boyfriend, the actor Cory Monteith, in honour of what would have been his 32nd birthday. Monteith died on the 13th July last year after what was found to have been a heroin overdose. He and Michele were co-stars on the popular Fox musical drama, Glee, which paid tribute to its lost in a special farewell episode last year.

Lea Michele
Actress Lea Michele Has Paid A Touching Tribute To Her Late Boyfriend, Cory Monteith.

The 27 year-old singer and actress posted a loving tribute on Twitter, writing "The biggest heart and most beautiful smile.. In all of our hearts.. We love you so. Happy Birthday" to caption a black and white photo of the talented pair sharing a joke.

More: Lea Michele bares most for 'On My Way' music video.

A devastated Lea spent weeks out of the public eye when the news reached her of Cory's death in his home country of Canada but she has since returned to form by appearing in the final seasons of Glee, releasing her solo studio album, Louder, and even posing nearly nude for Terry Richardson in a magazine shoot.

Lea Michele Cory Monteith
Lea Reiterated How Much She & The 'Glee' Cast Are Missing Their Co-Star.

Despite having kept herself extremely busy throughout most of the last ten months, Lea revealed to Teen Vogue magazine that Cory is always on her mind and she's not ready to move on just yet. "My relationship with Cory made me feel like I could reach for the stars and more," Lea revealed. "He would be like, 'You're going to be a pop star.'"

"I'm focusing on my job and taking care of myself," the actress said of meeting and dating someone new, adding "Maybe in a little while I'll be like, "What do I want?" But I'm not quite there yet."


Lea has also said she believes her enduring love for Cory has helped her stay strong throughout her most intense periods of grief. "I somehow feel the insane love Cory and I had for each other morphed into this strength that I have right now," she  reasoned.

Cory Monteith
Monteith Died On The 13th July Last Year After What Was Shown To Be A Heroin Overdose.

"There's just something about knowing he's watching everything I'm doing and feeling like I have to do everything now not just for me but for him. I also have a safety net below me - if I fall or if it's too much, my friends and family will be there to catch me."

More: Lea Michele says happiness is her "greatest success."

Hear Lea Michele's 'Cannonball':