American actor James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther in the popular TV series “Friends”, has died at the age of 59. The 59-year-old has been fighting a battle with the cancer.
According to the BBC, the actor was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018, which later spread to his bones. James Michael Tyler died at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, according to his manager. “If you met him once, you made him a friend for life,” his manager said.
The actor played Gunther in the beloved series, a waiter at the Central Perk, which was the favorite hangout of the six main characters, and was in love with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston).
James Michael Tyler, speaking to TODAY's Craig Melvin, had announced that he was suffering from prostate cancer and had stated that the diagnosis was delayed, the disease progressed. “I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones. I have been dealing with this diagnosis for almost the last three years... It is at stage 4 (now). Terminal cancer. So you know, it will probably beat me,” the actor had said.
Actor James Michael Tyler (@slate_michael) played Gunther on “Friends” for 10 years, but he was unable to attend the recent cast reunion in person because he's been battling a serious health issue. Now he's sharing his news for the first time with @craigmelvin. pic.twitter.com/272tg4Sbvc
- TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 21, 2021
His co-stars said their own goodbye to their dear friend and colleague, Jennifer Aniston and Courtney Cox, via two touching Instagram posts.
“Friends won't be the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to our lives. We will miss you,” Jennifer Aniston wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVb2XjnsUNA/
“The amount of gratitude you brought and showed us every day on set is the amount of gratitude I hold for having met you. Rest in peace James,” Courtney Cox wrote.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CVb4azULEYW/
