Cult character from the iconic series, actor James Michael Tyler, alias Gunther in the American series Friends died on Sunday October 24, 2021 at the age of 59 years. The American comedian died at his home in Los Angeles following a Prostate cancer he had suffered since 2018, said a relative, Toni Benson. “The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh Friend) of the series, but his loved ones have known him as an actor, musician, cancer activist and loving husband“, he said in a statement to the American press relayed by AFP.
His character in Friends appeared in 150 episodes across the 10 seasons of the popular 1990s sitcom. He was the manager of Central Perk, the cafe where the other characters hung out and in love with Rachel’s character and therefore Ross’ nemesis. With his bleached hair and his legendary discretion, he was also one of the pillars of the successful show. Tyler has appeared in other series like Scrubs, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and Modern Music. In his private life, he was remarried to Jenn, after the divorce of his first wife, Barbara Chadsey, from whom he separated in 2014.
Tyler had announced in June on an NBC show that he had suffered from an advanced form of prostate cancer since September 2018, which had spread to his bone system. He had made a short video appearance at the cast reunion this year. His physical metamorphosis was explained by illness. In a tweet, Warner Bros. said mourning the loss of a “beloved actor, an integral part of our FRIENDS family. Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues, friends and fansFour of the six famous friends have already shared their grief on social media: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc, devastated, offered their condolences via their Instagram account.