‘Friends’ Star Dead After Cancer Diagnosis Catches Fans Off-Guard

Actor James Michael Tyler, who snarked his manner into the hearts of thousands and thousands as Gunther on “Pals,” has died of prostate most cancers on the age of 59.

Tyler died Sunday morning at his Los Angeles residence, in keeping with TMZ.

“The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh “Pal”), from the hit collection ‘Pals,’ however Michael’s family members knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate and loving husband,” TMZ quoted the household saying in an announcement.

“If you happen to met him when you made a pal for all times,” an announcement launched by his supervisor stated, in keeping with the BBC. “[He] is survived by his spouse, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life.”

Warner Bros. Tv mourns the lack of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral a part of our FRIENDS household. Our ideas are along with his household, associates, colleagues and followers. ❤️☕️ pic.twitter.com/9coGnT5BHz

— FRIENDS (@FriendsTV) October 24, 2021

In 2018, Tyler was identified with superior prostate most cancers which later progressed, spreading to his bones.

“Wanting to assist as many individuals as doable, he bravely shared his story and have become a campaigner for these with a prostate to get a … blood check as early as 40 years previous,” his supervisor stated.

Tyler made a brief appearance on the “Pals” reunion particular .

“It was essentially the most memorable 10 years of my life, truthfully,” the actor stated on the time, BBC reported. “I couldn’t have imagined only a higher expertise. All these guys have been improbable and only a pleasure to work with. It felt very, very particular.”

Tyler mad an look in virtually 150 episodes of “Pals” throughout its run from 1994 to 2004.

Whereas studying about James Michael Tyler’s tragic dying, Rachel’s last phrases to Gunther got here to thoughts…

“Once I’m in a café, having espresso, or I see a person with hair brighter than the solar, I’ll consider you” 💔 https://t.co/4p8nEsEJm8

— Anna Collinson (@AnnaCollinson) October 24, 2021

In June, he opened up about his situation throughout an look on “At this time,” in keeping with Us.

“I used to be identified with superior prostate most cancers, which had unfold to my bones. I’ve been coping with that prognosis for nearly the previous three years … It’s stage 4 [now]. Late-stage most cancers. So ultimately, you understand, it’s gonna in all probability get me,” he stated then.

Actor James Michael Tyler (@slate_michael) performed Gunther on “Pals” for 10 years, however he was unable to attend the current forged reunion in particular person as a result of he’s been battling a severe well being challenge. Now he’s sharing his information for the primary time with @craigmelvin. pic.twitter.com/272tg4Sbvc

— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 21, 2021

Tyler had been combating for his life when the pandemic got here, and his routine was altered, with drastic penalties.

“I missed entering into for a check, which was not a superb factor,” Tyler stated, in keeping with US. “So the most cancers determined to mutate on the time of the pandemic, and so it’s progressed … Subsequent time you go in for only a primary examination or your yearly checkup, please ask your physician for a PSA check. It’s simply detectable … If it spreads past the prostate to the bones, which is most prevalent in my kind, it may be much more troublesome to cope with.”

Tyler stated he wished to be a part of the “Pals” reunion, however he didn’t need his condition to overshadow the occasion.

“I wished to be part of that, and initially I used to be going to be on the stage, at the very least, with them, and have the ability to participate in all of the festivities,” he stated. “I used to be very completely happy to be included. It was my determination to not be part of that bodily and make an look on Zoom, mainly, as a result of I didn’t wanna convey a downer on it, you understand? … I didn’t wish to be like, ‘Oh, and by the best way, Gunther has most cancers.’”

James Michael Tyler Our Gunther handed away final night time. He was an unbelievable one who spent his last days serving to others. God bless you James, Gunther lives eternally.

— Kevin Vivid (@kbrightELA) October 24, 2021

Tyler stated that his character on the show was created as a result of on the time he was the one additional on the set in a position to work the espresso machine.

“I realized a lot simply by being round them and our crew and forged — everybody was completely a grasp of the sport,” Tyler stated. “I used to be simply observing how nice TV is made.”

Tyler additionally acted in  “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” “Scrubs” and “Fashionable Music,” in keeping with Variety.