Actor James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in Friends, died at 59 years old. The actor had been battling cancer for years.
It’s a sad day for Friends fans all around.
James Michael Tyler, who played the iconic Gunther who had a crush on Rachel, died at 59 after battling cancer for years. The actor was not physically present during the Friends Reunion this spring, the actor jumped in a call to talk to the six stars. Everyone was shocked when they saw he looked very different.
Then he revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2018. In an interview with the Today show, James Michael Tyler said: “I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years… It’s stage 4 [now], late-stage cancer. So, eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”
Unfortunately, the day has come.
A manager for the actor released a statement announcing he passed away: “Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. If you met him once you made a friend for life. [He] is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life.”
Fellow Friends co-stars took it to social media to express their condolences.
Lisa Kudrow wrote: “James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all. #jamesmichealtyler.”
Courteney Cox also shared a tribute, writing: “The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you. Rest In peace James. ♥️”
Jennifer Aniston shared a video of her and Tyler from Friends, writing: “Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed #JamesMichaelTyler 💔”
Matt LeBlanc also wrote: “We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend.”
Our thoughts and prayers go to James Michael’s family.
