On Tuesday (Jan. 30), former Glee star Mark Salling was found dead of an apparent suicide at age 35. His death comes weeks before he was due to face sentencing after pleading guilty to the possession of child pornography in October.
Understandably, Salling’s death has sparked mixed reactions from Glee fans and from those who worked with the actor (who played Noah “Puck” Puckerman) on the show. Most of the Glee family has remained silent on social media so far, but a handful have spoken out below, including Matthew Morrison, who played glee club director Mr. Schuester and posted a photo of himself with Salling and late co-star Cory Monteith; Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins; Finneas O’Connell, who played Alistair in the final season; Tim Davis, a vocal coach and arranger for the show; Joaquin Sedillo, a cinematographer; and director Paris Barclay.
We will update with more reactions as they become available.
Oh Mark
— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) January 30, 2018
At #SAGAWARDS @GLEEonFOX after we won. 1st season #MarkSalling with Cory — pic.twitter.com/RDFxcwziei
— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) January 30, 2018
His death is painful for me Some of u might know him for only his flaws but I also knew him as someone who was great to work with & was kind to my kids. I truly wish he’d fought his demons &atoned himself & came out a winner. May we all find solace in some of his gentler memories
— iqbal theba (@iqbaltheba) January 31, 2018
I met Mark Salling Once when we were filming the final episode of Glee together. I didn’t know him at all and I won’t pretend I did. It’s been a horrifying thing these past two years finding out about the crimes he’s committed. I don’t feel sorry for him. Only sorry for his fans.
— FINNEAS (@FinneasOConnell) January 30, 2018
Be kind. Life’s too short. ??
— Damian Mc Ginty (@damianmcginty) January 31, 2018
Today we lost another #Glee cast member.Yes, he committed crimes against children.Yes, it’s horrific. But #MarkSalling was a broken man, no doubt an abuse victim himself. I loved Mark, and am sad when I consider the devastation of his parents. PLEASE withhold your cruel comments.
— Tim Davis (@loudmouthmuch) January 30, 2018
Let me be clear. Having compassion for #MarkSalling in no way minimizes his crimes, nor does it minimize the pain and devastation of the victims of those crimes. I’m just saying stop adding to his family’s pain. This was their son. If you’re without sin, feel free to cast stones.
— Tim Davis (@loudmouthmuch) January 30, 2018
Thank you — https://t.co/cynQw09wCq
— Joaquin Sedillo (@JOAQUINSEDILLO) January 30, 2018
…–
— Joaquin Sedillo (@JOAQUINSEDILLO) January 30, 2018
Devistating… — Suicide is never the answer.
— Joaquin Sedillo (@JOAQUINSEDILLO) January 30, 2018
It’s a painful loss, again. Two young actors, lost too soon. RIP #marksalling pic.twitter.com/g6kx4MWToV
— Paris Barclay (@Harparbar) January 30, 2018
I’m shocked
And don’t know what to say— Brad Ellis (@BradEllisPiano) January 30, 2018
I wish he had accepted his sentence, and come back to contribute again to the world — some people have made great contributions after redeeming themselves from terrible mistakes.
— Brad Ellis (@BradEllisPiano) January 31, 2018