James Michael Tyler, actor who played Gunther on ‘Friends’, dies at 59

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LOS ANGELES – James Michael Tyler, an actor loved for his portrayal of Gunther on “Friends,” died of prostate cancer Sunday morning, his manager confirmed to Variety. He was 59 years old.

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Tyler died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. The actor was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in September 2018.

Tyler shared his story earlier this year, becoming an advocate for people with prostates to have their first blood tests in their 40s.

“Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer awareness advocate and loving husband,” read a statement from Benson. “Michael loved live music, cheered on his Clemson Tigers, and was often immersed in fun, unplanned adventures. If you knew him once, you made a friend for life. “

Tyler was best known for his portrayal of Gunther, a Central Perk café worker who reserves an unrequited love for Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel, on the NBC sitcom “Friends.”

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Dubbed by fans as “the seventh ‘Friend'”, the actor was a mainstay of the series, first appearing on the second episode of “Friends” and returning as a guest star for the remainder of his 10-year run. He is the recurring guest star who appears most frequently in the entire series.

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Beyond “Friends,” Tyler’s acting credits date back to 1992, including series such as “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Scrubs,” and “Modern Music.”

While undergoing treatment, he continued acting, starring in two short films, “The Gesture and the Word” and “Processing,” and winning best actor awards at various national and international film festivals.

This year, Tyler’s oral interpretation of Stephan Kalinich’s poem “If You Knew” was adapted into a short video to help raise awareness for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Tyler is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno.