‘Friends’ Actor James Michael Tyler Passes Away at 59
The cast of Friends and fans alike pay tribute to actor James Michael Tyler, who passed away at age 59 after a battle with prostate cancer. In June of this year, Tyler announced his Stage 4 diagnosis on the Today show. He missed the Friends Reunion Show as a result but was met with love and support until the end.
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
Tyler is best known for his role of Gunther on Friends, acting as the general manager of Central Perk for ten seasons. Gunther’s obvious love for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) always left fans smiling, along with his hip platinum hair. Tyler also appeared in several other shows and movies including Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
“Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures,” Tyler’s manager, Toni Benson said in a statement. “If you met him once you made a friend for life.”
Gone, but NEVER forgotten in my heart.
— nibikinz (@nibikinz) October 24, 2021
We love you, James Michael Tyler. Rest easy 😢😭 pic.twitter.com/mtxuwZQEjO
When it came time for the Friends Reunion Show in May 2021, Tyler attended via Livestream. He shared not wanting to “bring a downer” on the event, he told NBC at the time. Though he added that it was still bittersweet “to be included” in the celebrations.
Meanwhile, former Friends castmates took to social media sharing their memories of Tyler. Lisa Kudrow – who played Phoebe – wrote on Instagram, “James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all.”
We lost a good Friend yesterday in James Michael Tyler. Gunther, you will be missed. Read in Peace.
— matthew perry (@MatthewPerry) October 25, 2021
But in opening up about his diagnosis, Tyler hoped to spread awareness for the diseases and urge others to get checked early on. Tyler even partnered with the Prostate Cancer Foundation who will continue his work posthumously.
“My goal this past year was to see my 59th birthday,” Tyler told The Hollywood Reporter in June. “I did that. My goal now is to help at least save one life.”
Writer | @IlanaDavis24
