James Michael Tyler, the actor famous for playing Central Perk employee Gunther on "Friends," has died of prostate cancer. He was 59.
He died "peacefully in his home" on Sunday.
According to a statement from his longtime manager, "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."
In June, Tyler revealed he was undergoing chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with Stage 4 prostate cancer.
The actor had hoped to attend the HBO Max "Friends" reunion in May, but said he withdrew from appearing in person because of his health.
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.' "
"It's Stage 4, late stage cancer, so eventually, it's gonna probably get me". While he expressed regret for not getting tested sooner, Tyler became an advocate for early testing.
Source: People.
Photo Credit: Lee Celano/ Getty Images.