Richard believed that Cory was an inspiration for everyone even though the initial days of his life were not that favourable, reported Contactmusic.
"It's like my hero died. He would do anything for anyone. Because of his success on Glee he was able to do what he wanted, and supply his family with what he wanted to. And he was at the top he was where he wanted to be," Richard said.
"He's my hero because he made me believe that your whole life,everyone tells you you can't do it, you can't make it.He told me no matter how long your tunnel is - just know there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. He was that light for me," he added.