'Friends' Actor James Michael Tyler Has Died at 59
Tributes are pouring in following the sad news.
![actor james michael tyler attends the central perk pop up celebrating the 20th anniversary of "friends" on september 16, 2014 in new york city](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/J6YfzunMZK7FJrMVVyjZkf-415-80.jpg)
James Michael Tyler, who famously portrayed Gunther on Friends, sadly passed away on Oct. 24 in Los Angeles, a rep for the actor confirmed to TMZ. Tyler, who was 59, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018.
Tributes from those close to Tyler have been pouring in following the sad news. "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," his family said in a statement.
On Friends, Tyler played Gunther, the awkward Central Perk café manager with "hair brighter than the sun" who was in love with Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) throughout the series, and was a beloved though never quite integrated part of the group.
Friends cast members remember Tyler as a beautiful presence on set. Aniston shared a scene from the show where Gunther finally declares his love to Rachel on Instagram, captioning it, "Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed #JamesMichaelTyler."
Courteney Cox wrote, "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."
Lisa Kudrow remembered Tyler with the words, "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all. #jamesmichealtyler [sic]."
And Matt LeBlanc wrote the simple but poignant caption, "We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Our Complete Quiet Luxury Shopping Guide
30 quality closet classics that always have—and always will—endure.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Kaia Gerber and Cindy Crawford Medal in Mother-Daughter Olympic Matching
The pair touched down in Paris wearing coordinating navy looks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Prince Harry Reveals Royal Family Rift Was Worsened by Tabloids
"Yeah, that’s certainly a central piece to it."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton Published
-
Super Rare Photos of Queen Elizabeth as a Young Woman
From childhood snapshots to portraits as a young princess, beautiful and rare photos of the late Queen Elizabeth as a young woman.
By Mehera Bonner Published
-
King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla's Relationship: A Timeline
With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Charles has ascended to the throne as king.
By The Editors Published
-
Who Is Next in Line for the British Throne, Explained
And yes—Harry and Archie are still in the line of succession.
By Andrea Park Published
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors Published
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash Published