How did Friends' Gunther actor James Michael Tyler die?
The actor, best known for his role in the TV series Friends as "Gunther", passed away on Sunday aged 59 after a long illness. What was the cause of death?
James Michael Tyler, the actor who played the role of Gunther, the manager of fictional cafe Central Perk, in the TV series Friends, died on Sunday at the age of 59 after a lengthy illness.
Cause of death: Prostate cancer
The disease was already in an advanced stage when it was diagnosed in September 2018 during a routine check-up and then spread through the bones during the pandemic, when his cancer metastasized causing fractures in his bones and tumors in his spine, as the actor announced in June this year during an appearance on NBC's Today program.
The seventh Friend: cancer advocate, and loving husband
Tyler’s manager Toni Benson confirming the actor’s passing in a statement released Sunday. Benson wrote, “Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh Friend)... but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband. If you met him once you made a friend for life.”
Friends’ cast say goodbye
Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed
Jennifer Aniston
We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend.
Matt LeBlanc
The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you. Rest In peace James.
Courteney Cox
James, thank you for playing such a wonderful, unforgettable role in Friends and for being such a big hearted gentleman and all around mensch off screen. You will be missed, buddy.
David Schwimmer
James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all.
Lisa Kudrow