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Friends co-star James Michael Tyler passes away at 59, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc & others pour emotional tribute [REACTIONS]

Friends co-star James Michael Tyler passes away at 59, Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc & others pour emotional tribute [REACTIONS]

Friends co-star James Michael Tyler, famously known for his portrayal as Gunther in NBC’s comedy series has passed away after battling porstate cancer. The actor was 59.

The tragic news of Tyler’s death was revealed by the star’s longtime manager Toni Benson. The statement said the 59 year old died “peacefully in his home” on Sunday. The star was popular for his comedic role as Gunther, who had an unsaid love for Rachel (Jennifer Aniston)

“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 said.

Tyler publicly revealed in June of his battle with Stage 4 prostate cancer. The star was undergoing chemotherapy treatment after his diagnosis in 2018.

“I’m sorry to say that I’m not appearing today with you to announce that there’s a ‘Friends’ movie,” Tyler told the “Today” show. “Actually, I’m here to let you know that in September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer.”

The fan-favorite actor even withdrew from appearing on the HBO Max Reunion special for Friends due to his health.

“I wanted to be a part of that, and initially I was going to be on the stage,” Tyler explained. “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. I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer.’ ”

The main cast of Friends has already responded to the emotional news, sharing their tribute for Tyler. Aniston shared a touching small clip from “Friends” featuring Rachel and Tyler’s Gunther from the final season. Star Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Matt LeBlanc mourned the loss of their co-star offering their condolences on social media. Warner Bros. Television also paid tribute to Tyler’s death. You can check it out below.

 

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Prior to landing his iconic role in Friends, Michael Tyler made appearances on shows like Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Just Shoot Me!. He will be missed.

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