The "Glee curse" refers to a series of unfortunate events and tragedies that have occurred among the cast of the popular musical television show, Glee. Despite the show's immense success and cultural impact, it has been plagued by a string of untimely deaths, scandals, and personal struggles of its cast members. The first notable incident happened in 2013, when actor Cory Monteith, who played lead character Finn Hudson, was found dead in a hotel room due to an accidental drug overdose. This shocking event stunned fans and cast members alike, as Monteith was a beloved figure on the show and in real life. Following Monteith's death, other cast members also faced their fair share of struggles. Mark Salling, who portrayed Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the show, was arrested and later pled guilty to charges of possession of child pornography.
The ‘Glee Curse’ Is Set to Be Explored in a New Docuseries
This post originally appeared in Glamour UK.
The musical comedy series Glee is set to be at the center of a new docuseries from Discovery+ and Ample Entertainment, exploring the shocking controversies and tragedies that rocked the show.
When Glee, which was created by Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan, first came to our screens in 2009, viewers were captivated by the wholesome feet-tapping, all-dancing covers from William McKinley High School's highly ambitious students who dreamt of making it big in the music world.
We laughed and cried as members of the Glee club navigated their way through various social issues such as relationships, family problems, sexuality and race - which undoubtedly kept them unified and made for a very feel-good watch for viewers at home.
However, things were starkly different behind the show's scenes, which were marred with a range of dark shadows, which first began with Cory Monteith's heroin overdose in 2013.
The scandal continued to follow the cast after the show ended in 2015, with Mark Salling, who played Noah "Puck" Puckerman, taking his own life after pleading guilty to possession of child pornography. In 2020, the world mourned the loss of Santana actress Naya Rivera who accidentally drowned during a boating trip. With a slew of other distressing instances, including allegations of on-set bullying, the term "the Glee curse" was inevitably coined by online social conspiracist. Here's why…
Mark Salling, who portrayed Noah "Puck" Puckerman on the show, was arrested and later pled guilty to charges of possession of child pornography. In 2018, he died by suicide just before he was scheduled to be sentenced. Another tragedy struck in 2020 when actress Naya Rivera, who played Santana Lopez, drowned in a boating accident while on a trip with her son.
Cory Monteith's drink and drug battle
Cory, who played McKinley High's star jock and glee club co-captain Finn Hudson, revealed he had a "serious problem" with drugs in an interview with Parade in 2011. Two years later, he headed to rehab for "substance addiction" for a month-long treatment. Ultimately, Cory relapsed and overdosed on heroin and alcohol, tragically passing away at 31 on July 13, 2013.
Jason LaVerisHer death sent shockwaves through the Glee community and further fueled the belief in the "Glee curse." While the term "Glee curse" is primarily used to describe the unfortunate events surrounding the show's cast, it is important to remember that these incidents are not directly caused by the show itself. The show's immense popularity and intense pressure on its cast members may have contributed to their personal struggles, leading to these tragic outcomes. The "Glee curse" serves as a reminder of the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by those in the entertainment industry. It is a testament to the importance of mental health support and the need for compassion and understanding towards the individuals who entertain us. Overall, the "Glee curse" is a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fame. It highlights the need for support systems and resources to be in place for those in the public eye, as they navigate the highs and lows of their careers..
Reviews for "Glee Curse or Tragic Coincidence? Examining the Evidence"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - "I was really excited to read 'What is the glee curse' as a fan of the Glee TV show. However, I was highly disappointed with the book. The storyline felt disjointed and poorly executed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked depth. The writing style was also lacking, with awkward phrasing and weak dialogue. Overall, I found the book to be a major letdown and not worth the read for any Glee enthusiast."
2. John - 1 star - "As someone who loved Glee, I was expecting a captivating and engaging read with 'What is the glee curse'. Unfortunately, it fell flat in every aspect. The plot was unoriginal and predictable, with no surprises or twists. The characters were bland and lacked any real development. The writing was subpar, with numerous grammatical errors and inconsistencies. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially to fans of the TV show who are expecting a worthwhile tie-in."
3. Emily - 2.5 stars - "I had high hopes for 'What is the glee curse' as a fan of Glee, but it failed to meet my expectations. The storyline felt rushed and lacked depth, leaving me unsatisfied. The characters were poorly fleshed out, and their motivations were unclear. Additionally, the writing style was mediocre at best, with excessive exposition and repetitive descriptions. While the concept had potential, the execution was lacking, making it a disappointing read for any Glee fan looking for a captivating story."
4. Mark - 1 star - "I was excited to delve into the world of Glee with 'What is the glee curse', but it ended up being a waste of time. The plot was weak and poorly developed, leaving me uninterested throughout. The characters were unlikable and lacked any depth, making it difficult to care about their struggles. The writing style was clunky and lacked finesse, making the reading experience a chore. Overall, this book did not do justice to the Glee fandom, and I would not recommend it to anyone hoping for an enjoyable tie-in."