James Michael Tyler has died at 59-years-old, following a 3 year battle with prostate cancer.
Best known for his role on the popular sitcom Friends, he played "Gunther", the deadpan manager of the beloved coffee shop "Central Perk", and frequently appeared on the show from 1994 to 2004.
"It was the most memorable 10 years of my life, honestly," Tyler said over Zoom during an appearance for the Friends Reunion Special. "I could not have imagined just a better experience. All these guys were fantastic and just a joy to work with. It felt very, very special."
The Modern Music actor's sad passing was confirmed in a statement by his manager, Toni Benson, who said he died "peacefully" at home on Sunday morning.
"The world knew him as Gunther the seventh 'Friend,' but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," the statement read. "If you met him once you made a friend for life,"
"Wanting to help as many people as possible, he bravely shared his story and became a campaigner for those with a prostate to get a... blood test as early as 40-years-old."
The actor shocked fans this past June when he announced his diagnosis on Today after battling the illness for 3 years.
"I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones," Tyler told the show. "I've been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years. ... It's stage 4 (now). Late stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it's gonna probably get me."
He also mentioned that while he was ill during the recent Friends special, he was able to do his job with no issues. "I was feeling fine, honestly. I had no symptoms, I didn't feel any symptoms. And it was very easy to regulate."
He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, who was described as "the love of his life."
