James Michael Tyler, the actor known widely for his recurring role as Gunther on Friends, has died. He was 59.
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Tyler died Sunday at home in Los Angeles from prostate cancer, said his manager, Toni Benson. Tyler was first diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018.
"The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh 'Friend'), from the hit series Friends, but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," Benson wrote in a tribute. "Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures."
Tyler had appeared briefly in 1990s series like Just Shoot Me! and Sabrina the Teenage Witch before being cast as a background character in the second episode of Friends in 1994. Over the show's multi-year-run, he became the most frequently recurring guest star on the series playing Gunther, the Central Perk barista with an unrequited affection for Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston.
Tyler is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno.
