‘Friends’ Star James Michael Tyler, Best Known As Gunther, Dead At 59
‘Friends‘ star James Michael Tyler, best known as Gunther on the long-running comedy sitcom has died at the age of 59. Tyler lost his battle with stage four prostate cancer, a condition that he kept very private about until earlier this year.
Tyler, whose character Gunther gave fans many laughs with his undying crush on Rachael Green first publicly shared the news of his disease earlier this year. Labeled as the sitcom’s seventh friend, Tyler’s family and friends knew him as much more than the quirky coffee house manager according to PopCulture.com.
Tyler starred along with his Friends castmates, Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Matthew Perry in 150 episodes during the show’s ten-year run. When speaking of his cast members, Tyler states, “I learned so much just being around them- everyone was just a master of the game. It was the most memorable ten years of my life, honestly. It felt very, very special.”
James Michael Tyler Claims ‘Friends’ Felt ‘Very Special’ To Him
James was a beloved actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and most of all a dear friend and loving husband. Tyler’s family confirmed his passing via a statement that reads, “If you met him once, you made a friend for life.” Tyler passed away peacefully this morning in his Los Angeles home surrounded by his family and those closest to him.
During the Friends, Reunion Special fans were left sad and confused as they wondered why Tyler did not appear live with the other cast members. In June of this year, Tyler spoke with The Today Show revealing his 2018 diagnosis with stage 4 prostate cancer. James went on to reveal cancer has spread to other areas of his body. He reveals did not want to bring a downer to the Reunion by revealing his cancer diagnosis for the first time.
“I wanted to be a part of that, and initially I was going to be on stage. It was bittersweet. Honestly, I was very happy to be included.” Tyler adds that “Fighting this battle has made me, personally, just realize how important every moment is, every day. He also stated, “My goal this year was to see my 59th birthday. I did that. My goal now is to at least save one life.”
Tyler Claims His Goal Is To Help Save One Life
James reveals that it was his decision not to appear physically, opting for the Zoom appearance instead. Tyler’s acting credits also include Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Scrubs, and Modern Music.
Warner Brothers took to Twitter to mourn the loss of Tyler calling him, a beloved actor and integral part of our Friends family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans,”
Per his obituary, James Michael Tyler is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Jennifer Carno, ever united in good times, in sickness, and for eternity.
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