GLEE star Cory Monteith has been found dead in a Vancouver hotel room, Canadian police have confirmed.

The 31-year-old actor, who played Finn in the popular TV series, reportedly died of a drug overdose.

media_camera Cory Monteith with his Glee co-star and fiancee Lea Michele during filming in Central Park.

Monteith, who had been battling substance abuse and had a stint in rehab in April, checked into the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel on July 6.

The Canadian actor, who was engaged to his Glee co-star Lea Michele, was due to leave the hotel today. Staff became concerned when he failed to check out on time. They went to his room and discovered his body at midday, local time.

media_camera Cory Monteith had long battled with substance abuse and checked himself into rehab last April.

The star's publicist said: "We are so saddened to confirm that the reports on the death of Cory Monteith are accurate. We are in shock and mourning this tragic loss."

Glee producers Fox and 20th Century Fox Television released a statement, describing Monteith as "an exceptional person".

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic news," the statement said. "Cory was an exceptional talent and an even more exceptional person. He was a true joy to work with and we will all miss him tremendously. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

media_camera Cory Monteith with girlfriend Lea Michele in January, shortly before he went into rehab.

Acting Chief Doug LePard of the Vancouver Police offered condolences to Monteith's "family, friends and millions of fans".

"As was the case in countless homes, I watched Glee regularly with my daughters, and I know there will be shock and sadness in many households with the news of his tragic death," Acting Chief LePard said.

media_camera Vancouver Police say other people had been in Cory Monteith's hotel room earlier in the evening, but it is believed the star was alone when he died.

The police chief said it is believed Monteith was alone when he died.

"There were others with Mr Monteith in his room earlier last night, but video and fob key entries show him returning to his room by himself in the early morning hours and we believe he was alone when he died," he said.

"When he missed his check-out time, staff went to the room at noon and found his body.

media_camera Cory Monteith on the red capet with his fellow cast members.

"We know there will be considerable interest in this case, and we have detectives assigned to the case who attended with our Forensic Identification Unit to examine the scene, to ensure to the extent possible that there are no unanswered questions.

"Hotel video has been secured as well as room access records. Our investigators have spoken with hotel staff, who are providing the utmost in cooperation.

"An autopsy is scheduled for Monday. The Coroner will be determining the next steps with respect to establishing cause of death, but all indications are that there was no foul play," the police chief said.

Monteith checked into rehab for substance addiction last April.

At the time, his spokesperson declined to elaborate on the nature of the star's addiction.

"He graciously asks for your respect and privacy as he takes the necessary steps towards recovery," Monteith's spokesperson said in April.

media_camera Actor Cory Monteith with Prince Harry. Monteith, 31, has been found dead in his Vancouver hotel room. Picture: Twitter

News of the star's tragic death has shocked Hollywood, with celebrities taking to Twitter to vent their grief.

Dot-Marie Jones plays Coach Beiste in Glee and was also close to Monteith. She revealed she is "heartbroken" by his passing.

"Cory was not only a hell of a friend he was one amazing men that I will hold close to my heart forever… I am blessed to have worked with him and love him so much! My heart is with hid family and our whole Glee family! (sic)" she posted on her Twitter page.

Glee director Adam Shankman said the "lights in the world just grew dimmer" after hearing the news.

Kristin Chenoweth previously had a guest spot on the show and said Cory would "be loved always".

Speechless. And for the worst reason. — Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) July 14, 2013

Just heard about the death of Cory Monteith. So sad. Prayers 4 his family. Praying 4 Lea too! Words cant describe what they must be feeling — Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) July 14, 2013

This is such sad news about @CoryMonteith - what an absolutely tragic loss of a very talented young man. — zooey deschanel (@ZooeyDeschanel) July 14, 2013

I just heard about Cory Monteith.. Rest in peace, everyone close to him and affected by this loss you're in my prayers. — Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) July 14, 2013

Cory Monteith was such a brilliant actor and seemed like such a lovely genuine person, he has gone to a good place. #RipCoryMonteith. — Zayn Malik (@VASHAPPENINJAS) July 14, 2013

Shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Cory Monteith. All my love to his family, friends & girlfriend. #TooSoon — oliviamunn (@oliviamunn) July 14, 2013

Cory Monteith and Lea Michele were engaged. They were supposed to get married in 2 weeks. i'm crying #RipCoryMonteith — ♔ Nick Jonas (@TeamJonasFreak) July 14, 2013

RIP Cory Monteith. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones. — Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) July 14, 2013

The Canadian actor and musician was candid about his long battle with substance abuse.

He entered rehab for the first time at age 19 and two years ago broke his silence in a bid to help others sharing his struggle.

"I'm not Finn Hudson," he said, "I'm lucky to be alive."

Monteith told Parade magazine by age 16 his drug use involved "anything and everything, as much as possible."

"I was out of control… I had a serious problem," Monteith said.

"A lot of things went missing when I was around; I had high overhead to take care of."

At age 19, afraid he "could die", his mother and a group of friend staged an intervention.

"That's when I first went to rehab. I did the stint but then went back to doing exactly what I left off doing."

But, then came what Monteith called "the crystallising event."

"I stole a significant amount of money from a family member," he said.

"I knew I was going to get caught, but I was so desperate I didn't care. It was a cry for help. I was confronted and I said, 'Yeah, it was me.' It was the first honourable, truthful thing that had come out of my mouth in years."

Faced with an ultimatum, either clean-up his act or be reported to police and prosecuted, Monteith made a choice to quit taking drugs and get his life together.

"I don't want kids to think it's okay to drop out of school and get high, and they'll be famous actors, too," he said in 2011.

"But for those people who might give up: Get real about what you want and go after it."

media_camera Cory Monteith in March 2012 with Naya Rivera during the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

Originally published as Glee star Cory found dead