The makers of the hit series “Friends” mourn actor James Michael Tyler. The actor who played the waiter, Gunther, died after suffering from cancer for several years.
Los Angeles – US actor James Michael Tyler, who played the waiter Gunther in the hit series “Friends”, has died of prostate cancer, according to US media reports.
His manager Toni Benson announced that he died on Sunday (local time) in his home in Los Angeles at the age of 59. “The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh boyfriend) … but Michael’s family knew him as an actor, musician, cancer awareness ambassador, and loving husband,” Benson continued.
“Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and an important part of our Friends family,” read the Twitter account of the series produced by Warner Bros. Television. “Our thoughts go with his family, friends, colleagues and fans.”
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
The main actors of the 90s hit series “Friends”, in which Tyler participated in around 150 episodes, remembered their deceased colleague on Instagram. “’Friends’ wouldn’t have been the same without you. Thanks for the laughs that you brought to the show and our lives. We will miss you so much, ”wrote Jennifer Aniston. She also shared a short clip from the series finale, in which Tyler and Aniston appeared together for the last time.
Her co-stars Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow also publicly said goodbye to Tyler. “Thank you for being there for all of us,” wrote Kudrow based on the theme song of the series “I’ll Be There For You”.
In the sitcom Friends, which was all about the lives of a group of young friends in New York, Tyler was the actor with the most appearances after the six main cast. He also appeared in the series “Scrubs – The Beginners” and “Sabrina – Totally Verhext!”
Tyler had made his cancer public in June. In September 2018, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which had also spread to his bones, Tyler told the US broadcaster NBC at the time. “I’ve had to deal with this diagnosis for almost three years. It is now in its final stages. It will probably get me at some point. “
Tyler was only able to take part briefly via video on a “Friends” special program in the spring. He said he didn’t spoil the mood, but wanted to be there anyway. dpa
