Since the news broke last night that much-beloved Friends, actor, James Michael Tyler, passed away at the age of 59 from stage 4 prostate cancer, outpouring of love and remembrance have come from co-stars and friends alike. Tyler acted alongside the likes of Jennifer Aniston, who shared a loving tribute to the actor who played Gunther, a coffee shop employee who had a bit of a thing for Rachel.
“Friends would not have been the same without you,” Aniston wrote on Instagram alongside a clip of the two. “Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed.”
Courtney Cox, who played Monica on Friends, also shared her tribute on Instagram upon hearing the news last night.
“The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you. Rest In peace, James.”
It goes witthout saying that the entirety of the Friends cast and crew is mourning this loss, as Tyler’s character, Gunther, was often time dubbed “the seventh friend” in the series. He maintained a pivotal role both on set and off, nurturing relationships with each one of his cast mates as his time on the show gave him a legacy of warmth and gratitude.
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey, wrote on Instagram “We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend.”
Warner Brothers published their own tribute on Twitter. “Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our FRIENDS family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and fans.”
Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our FRIENDS family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues and fans. ❤️☕️ pic.twitter.com/9coGnT5BHz
— FRIENDS (@FriendsTV) October 24, 2021
Tyler’s manager, Toni Benson, released a statement overnight.
“The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh Friend), from the hit series Friends, but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband,” Benson wrote. “Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures.”
