Actress Lea Michele accepts the Choice TV Actress: Comedy Award at the Teen Choice Awards at the Gibson amphitheatre in Universal City, California August 11, 2013. (Reuters)
Actress Lea Michele, whose boyfriend and "Glee" co-star Cory Monteith passed away in July, made her first public appearance since Monteith's passing at Sunday night's Teen Choice Awards.
Michele first took the stage at the awards show to receive the award for Actress: TV Comedy for her role as Rachel Berry on "Glee."
After a warm reception from those in attendance, Michele made an emotional acceptance speech, thanking "Glee" fans for their unyielding support in the wake of Monteith's sudden passing at age 31 last month due to drug overdose.
"I just wanted to be here today to personally thank all of you and tell everyone out there how much all of your love and support has meant to me over these very past difficult [sic] weeks," a teary-eyed Michele said.
"Not that I had any doubt before, but you guys are most certainly the greatest fans in the world. I wanted to dedicate this award to Cory. For all of you out there who loved and admired Cory as much as I did, I promise that with your love we're going to get through this together.
"He was very special to me and also to the world and we were very lucky to witness his incredible talent, his handsome smile, and his beautiful, beautiful heart. So, whether you knew him personally or just as 'Finn Hudson,' Cory reached out and he became a part of all of our hearts and that's where he'll stay forever. So, thank you guys so much. Thank you."
Michele was embraced by her "Glee" cast mates as she concluded her speech. An image of the late Monteith was then project onto the stage.
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