Telling PARADE he is not his sweet and sensitive Glee character, actor Corey Montieth opens up about the stark differences between his life and the guy he plays on TV. During the exclusive interview, the actor admits to skipping school to drink and smoke marijuana as early as 13 years old.

The Canadian native, who went to 12 different schools including one for troubled teens and who landed in rehab at age 19, says he tried everything and anything when it came to drugs. The breaking point was admitting he had stolen “a significant amount of money from a family member.” This forced him to see his life in a different way, which eventually led him to acting classes. Catching the performance bug, the high school musical heartthrob says it was the one thing he felt he was good at.

Although he says he doesn’t want kids thinking acting is a good escape from drugs (Lindsay Lohan can attest to this), the 29-year-old says he's speaking on his past to share the story. “For those people who might give up: Get real about what you want and go after it.” As everyone knows, the hit TV show is a celebrity favorite and have hosted stars such as Britney Spears and Gwyneth Paltrow, who can't seem to get enough of performing Cee Lo Green's "Forget You."

(Photo: Kristian Dowling/PictureGroup)