'Friends' Actor James Michael Tyler Dies; Jennifer Aniston, Kudrow Pay Tributes

James Michael Tyler was known for his role as Gunther in the hugely popular sitcom Friends.

Friends actor James Michael Tyler has passed away.

(Photo Courtesy: Instagram)

Actor James Michael Tyler, best known for essaying the role of Gunther in the TV sitcom Friends, passed away at the age of 59.

A statement from Tyler's manager, quoted by BBC, reads, "Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. If you met him once you made a friend for life. [He] is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life".

The BBC report states that Tyler was diagnosed with prostrate cancer in 2018, which later spread to his bones. "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," his manager said in the statement.

Tyler had recently made a brief appearance on the Friends Reunion special via Zoom. "It was the most memorable 10 years of my life. I could not have imagined just a better experience", he had said.

Jennifer Aniston took to Instagram to mourn Tyler's demise. "Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed #JamesMichaelTyler", she wrote.

Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay in the show, wrote on Instagram, "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all".

Courtney Cox and Matt LeBlanc also paid their tributes.