‘Friends’ Star James Michael Tyler Dead After Shocking Fans With News of Advanced Cancer

Actor James Michael Tyler, who snarked his way into the hearts of millions as Gunther on “Friends,” has died of prostate cancer at the age of 59. Tyler died Sunday morning at his Los Angeles home, according to TMZ …

IJR SyndicatedOct 25, 20214 min read

Sponsored

Loading post…

In June, he opened up about his condition during an appearance on “Today,” according to Us.

“I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones. I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years … It’s stage 4 . Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me,” he said then.

Loading post…

Tyler had been fighting for his life when the pandemic came, and his routine was altered, with drastic consequences.

“I missed going in for a test, which was not a good thing,” Tyler said, according to US. “So the cancer decided to mutate at the time of the pandemic, and so it’s progressed … Next time you go in for just a basic exam or your yearly checkup, please ask your doctor for a PSA test. It’s easily detectable … If it spreads beyond the prostate to the bones, which is most prevalent in my form, it can be a lot more difficult to deal with.”

Tyler said he wanted to be part of the “Friends” reunion, but he did not want his condition to overshadow the event.

“I wanted to be a part of that, and initially I was going to be on the stage, at least, with them, and be able to take part in all the festivities,” he said. “I was very happy to be included. It was my decision not to be a part of that physically and make an appearance on Zoom, basically, because I didn’t wanna bring a downer on it, you know? … I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer.’”

Loading post…

Tyler said that his character on the show was created because at the time he was the only extra on the set able to work the espresso machine.

“I learned so much just by being around them and our crew and cast — everyone was absolutely a master of the game,” Tyler said. “I was just observing how great TV is made.”

Tyler also acted in “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Scrubs” and “Modern Music,” according to Variety.

This article appeared originally on The Western Journal.