Now That Gunther's Gone FRIENDS Won't Be The Same Anymore

Even though FRIENDS became a huge hit because of its six main characters but it had some amazing supporting actors too. Central Perk the famous coffee shop at the heart of the show cannot exist without mentioning Gunther, he stole the scene every time. However, he lost his three-year-long battle with cancer and we bid adieu to him with a heavy heart on October 24.

Gunther's under the breath comments, his crush on Racheal Green (Jennifer Aniston) and his animosity towards Ross (David Schwimmer) was what made him so popular. And who can forget his guilty face when Phoebe kisses him to get the lethal germ after hearing him sneeze in the cafe!

James Michael Tyler aka Gunther the manager of Central Perk, was battling prostate cancer for three years and joined the FRIENDS reunion show via video conferencing. Tyler passed away on Sunday, October 24. He was 59. In a statement, Tyler’s manager revealed that the actor passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles. “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 statement further said.

He was a cancer awareness advocate and appealed to men to get regular prostate check-ups. Urging them that there are options available if they catch it at an early stage. "Next time you go in for just a basic exam or your yearly check-up, please ask your doctor for a PSA test. It’s easily detectable,” he said during an interview. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men in the United States of America.

Even though he got his first dialogue in season 3 he is often called the seventh Friend. His one-liners from "What does Rachel see in this guy?", "I love Rachel. I wish she was my wife," to "I love you. Now, I don't know if that changes your plans at all," remain iconic for their impeccable comic timing.  It has been widely reported that Tyler bagged the role as he was the only extra with barista experience.

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Apart from being an actor Michel Tyler was also a musician. “It was bittersweet, honestly. I was very happy to be included. It was my decision not to be a part of that physically and make an appearance on Zoom, basically, because I didn’t wanna bring a downer on it, you know? I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer,’” he said about his appearance on FRIENDS reunion show.

He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had reportedly spread to his bones. The actor first revealed his condition in June 2021 in an interview with Today. He further said it is "late-stage cancer. So, eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”

Rest in Peace Gunther! Another reunion show won't just be the same with you gone!

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