On Thursday, “Glee” says goodbye to actor Cory Monteith, who died this summer of a drug

On Thursday, “Glee” says goodbye to actor Cory Monteith, who died this summer of a drug overdose, after playing Finn Hudson for four seasons. The details of the tribute episode have been kept under wraps, so you’ll have to tune in and see how it’s handled. But here are five other actors who passed away suddenly during their shows’ runs and how their deaths were dealt with:

v Michael Conrad (Sgt. Phil Esterhaus on “Hill Street Blues,” 1983): Conrad died of urethral cancer. Viewers learned that his character had died of a heart attack while having sex.

v Nicholas Colasanto (Coach Ernie Pantusso on “Cheers,” 1985): Colasanto died of a heart attack. He was written out of the show as deceased without explanation of a cause in the same episode in which his bartender replacement (Woody Harrelson) was introduced.

v Redd Foxx (Al Royal on “The Royal Family,” 1991): Foxx died of a massive heart attack on the show’s set during rehearsal. His character’s death was written into the show, which soldiered on for three more months without Foxx.

v Phil Hartman (Bill McNeal on “NewsRadio,” 1998): Hartman was fatally shot by his wife. In the first episode of the fifth season, McNeal is revealed to have died of a heart attack.

v John Spencer (Leo McGarry on “The West Wing,” 2005): Spencer died of a heart attack. On the show, McGarry, the former White House chief of staff, now the Democrats’ vice-presidential candidate, collapsed on election night in the hotel bathtub after suffering an apparent heart attack.

“The Biggest Loser” (8 p.m., NBC): “Second chances” is the theme as “The Biggest Loser” returns to deal with more weighty issues. Among the contestants: Season 2 “American Idol” winner Ruben Studdard and Olympic weightlifter Holley Mangold.

“Supernatural” (9 p.m., CW): Dean battles evil angels in the ninth- season opener.

tv listings, b6

entertainment news

First Night to unveil winning button art

YOUNGSTOWN

The winner of this year’s First Night Youngstown art contest is Richard Tauro of Niles. FNY will unveil Tauro’s art Thursday.

The artwork will be on the admission button for First Night Youngstown, the alcohol-free, family friendly New Year’s Eve celebration of arts and entertainment in the downtown area. Go to firstnightyoungstownoh.com.

Seniors to perform at Eastwood Mall

NILES

Trumbull Senior Production Company, directed by Jason Burgermyer, will perform at 2 p.m. Saturday in center court at Eastwood Mall.

The group’s annual show, “Razzle Dazzle,” will be May 10 and 11 at Champion High School, Route 45. For information, call 330-847-6888. Jazz in the Park

LIBERTY

Players Express Entertainment will sponsor a fundraiser for Jazz in the Park on Oct. 13 at Monteen’s Southern Cuisine, 3807 Belmont Ave.

Hubb’s Groove will perform at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Call 330-360-1848.