‘Friends’ actor James Michael Tyler passed away at 59
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James Michael Tyler, who played barista Gunther on the comedy sitcom Friends, passed away on Sunday morning. He was 59.
His family released a statement to TMZ, saying he lost his battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer and died peacefully at home.
The world may have known him as Gunther, the seventh “friend” from the hit series “Friends”, but Michael’s loved ones knew him as “an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," the statement read.
"Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures.”
People who were lucky enough to have met Michael described him as a “friend for life”. Photo by Paul Zimmerman / Getty Images.
The actor revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
“In September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones,” Michael shared during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.
The cancer was discovered during a routine physical check-up when he was 56. Soon, it spread to his bones and spine, leaving the actor unable to walk as his lower body had been paralysed.
"I've been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years... It's stage 4," he admitted in the interview. "Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it's gonna probably get me."
Michael was unable to personally attend the Friends reunion due to his health but managed to appear via Zoom.
“I could not have imagined just a better experience. All these guys were fantastic and just a joy to work with. It felt very, very special.”
Tyler said he didn’t reveal his illness before then because: “I didn’t want it to be like ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer’.”
Tyler said being able to work with everyone at Friends has been “the most memorable 10 years of his life”. Photo retrieved from Fox News.
Tyler is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno.
Across social media, tributes poured in as fans and previous co-workers reminisced their time with the actor.
His family released a statement to TMZ, saying he lost his battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer and died peacefully at home.
The world may have known him as Gunther, the seventh “friend” from the hit series “Friends”, but Michael’s loved ones knew him as “an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," the statement read.
"Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures.”
People who were lucky enough to have met Michael described him as a “friend for life”. Photo by Paul Zimmerman / Getty Images.
The actor revealed his cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
“In September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones,” Michael shared during an appearance on NBC’s Today Show.
The cancer was discovered during a routine physical check-up when he was 56. Soon, it spread to his bones and spine, leaving the actor unable to walk as his lower body had been paralysed.
"I've been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years... It's stage 4," he admitted in the interview. "Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it's gonna probably get me."
Michael was unable to personally attend the Friends reunion due to his health but managed to appear via Zoom.
“I could not have imagined just a better experience. All these guys were fantastic and just a joy to work with. It felt very, very special.”
Tyler said he didn’t reveal his illness before then because: “I didn’t want it to be like ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer’.”
Tyler said being able to work with everyone at Friends has been “the most memorable 10 years of his life”. Photo retrieved from Fox News.
Across social media, tributes poured in as fans and previous co-workers reminisced their time with the actor.
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He was always one of my favourite characters. But if I really had to choose a favourite side character it would be Janice!
