The actor James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther on the hit sitcom Friends, passed away in his home at Lose Angeles at the age of 59. He suffered from prostate cancer since 2018.
In a statement to US media, Toni Benson wrote, "The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh "Friend"), but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and devoted husband."
The character he played in "Friends" appeared in 150 episodes across the 10 seasons of the popular sitcom. He sarcastically managed Central Perk, the cafe where all the other characters hung out, and pined for Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel.
Paying tribute to James Tyler, Jennifer Aniston shared a clip from Friends where Gunther professes his love for Rachel Green on Instagram along with the message: "Friends wouldn't have been the same without you! Thank you for bringing laughter to the show and to our lives."
Warner Bros. TV expressed its sorrow over the loss of "a beloved actor and integral part of the FRIENDS family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans." In June, Tyler revealed that he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in September 2018 and that the cancer had spread to his bones. The cancer was discovered during a routine physical.
Image Source: Instagram/friends