He might not have been in the main ensemble but he was a huge part of the show
James Michael Tyler, who famously played Gunther in Friends, has sadly passed away aged 59.
The actor who played the nervous yet often witty barista and waiter, who was madly in love with Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel, is believed to have died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, according to a statement from his manager.
Friends star James Michael Tyler, who played much-loved barista Gunther on the show, has passed away from prostate cancer at 59 years old | @AngelaBishop pic.twitter.com/DlvGr3bhl0
— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) October 25, 2021
The actor was diagnosed with prostate cancer back in 2018 and the disease sadly spread to his bones. In the aforementioned statement, his manager notes how he “Want[ed] to help as many people as possible” and “bravely shared his story and became a campaigner for those with a prostate to get a […] blood test as early as 40-years-old.”
The statement goes on to read: “James Michael Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. If you met him once you made a friend for life. James is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life.”
The show itself responded to the saddening news, calling Tyler an “integral part of the Friends family”.
Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our FRIENDS family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and fans. ❤️☕️ pic.twitter.com/9coGnT5BHz
— FRIENDS (@FriendsTV) October 24, 2021
Fans we fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Tyler in the recent Friends: The Reunion, as he was able to be part of the special event via video call.
As many have said, while he may not have been part of the main cast, he was an important part of the show and always managed to steal the spotlight with a one-liner.
Rest in peace.
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