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American actor James Michael Tyler passed away this Sunday at the age of 59, having failed to resist prostate cancer. The actor became world famous for his role as Gunther in the cult television series Friends.
James Michael Tyler was diagnosed in 2018 – a disease that was already in its advanced stages and which had spread to the actor’s bones over the past few years – according to what he himself announced a few months ago – alarmingly worsening his health. James died “peacefully” at his Los Angeles home, according to his agent reporting the incident.
“Michael’s family knew him as an actor, musician, cancer fighter and loving husband,” he added. Diversity… “Michael loved live music, cheered his Clemson Tigers and often got into fun and unplanned adventures. If I met him once, I would become a lifelong friend. “
Recently, the actor has insisted on conducting an examination for the disease so that it can be diagnosed prematurely. “Wanting to help as many people as possible, he boldly shared his story and became an activist for those with a prostate to have a blood test at the age of 40,” the agent continued.
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In June of this year, the actor revealed that the disease had spread to other parts of his body. “I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to my bones. I have been dealing with this diagnosis for almost three years…. It is now stage 4, advanced cancer. So, you know, it will probably affect me, ”he said on NBC Today. At an early stage, the actor received hormone therapy, but last year he began a course of chemotherapy.
No TwitterFriends’ official account has already reacted to the actor’s death by writing: “And Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and an integral part of our Friends’ family. We think about your family, friends, colleagues and fans. “
His character on the show worked at the mythical Cafe Central Perk and was considered by many to be the “seventh friend,” despite not listing the group consisting of Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler and Ross. The actor, who appeared in nearly 150 episodes of the series that aired from 1994 to 2004, ended up also appearing – via videoconference – on the channel. The latest HBO Max special is Friends Reunion.
“I wanted to be a part of it, and initially I was going to be on stage, at least with them, so that I could participate in all the activities,” Tyler said of the reunion. “To be honest, it was bittersweet. But I was really happy to be included. I decided not to be a part of it physically and not appear on Zoom, mainly because I didn’t want to bring up the depressing moment, you know? I didn’t want to say, “By the way, Gunther has cancer.”
During his treatment, he continued to act, starring in two short films, Gesture and Word and Handling, which won him Best Actor awards at various national and international film festivals. James Michael Tyler has appeared on TV shows such as Sabrina the Little Witch, Scrubs and Contemporary Music.
