James Michael Tyler: “Friends” star makes cancer public

James Michael Tyler
“Friends” star makes cancer public

James Michael Tyler played the role of Gunther on “Friends” for many years.

© Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

James Michael Tyler played Gunther in “Friends”. Now the actor has declared that he is seriously ill with cancer.

“Friends” star James Michael Tyler, 59, has terminal cancer. The actor, who played Gunther in the cult series for many years, explains that now on the “Today Show”. In September 2018, he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that had spread to his bones. The disease is now in the terminal stages, and Tyler is undergoing chemotherapy. Because of tumors in his spine and bones, the actor can no longer walk. Pictures in a post on the “Today Show” show him in a wheelchair.

Cancer is also the reason why Tyler was not personally involved in the “Friends” reunion. He can only be seen in it via video call. However, Tyler kept his diagnosis to himself so as not to overshadow the happy event with the sad news.

James Michael Tyler wants to save lives

“My goal last year was to celebrate my 59th birthday,” he says tearfully. “I did it.” Now his goal is to “save at least one life” by promoting early cancer screening.

James Michael Tyler played the supporting role of Gunther in “Friends” for around ten years. He played the manager of the café “Central Perk” from 1994 to 2004. In “Friends: The Reunion” the series stars Jennifer Aniston (52), Courteney Cox (57), Lisa Kudrow (57), Matthew Perry (51), David returned Schwimmer (54) and Matt LeBlanc (53) returned to the original location of the cult comedy on the grounds of the Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank. The special can be seen in Germany on Sky.

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