Three Years Of Fighting Cancer, Friends Series Cast, James Michael Tyler Dies

James Michael Tyler (Photo: IG @friends)

JAKARTA - Sad news came from the Friends series, which was popular in the 90s. After holding a reunion, James Michael Tyler, died at his home, Los Angeles, on Sunday, October 24.

James plays Gunther, a worker at the Central Perk coffee shop. He has harbored feelings for Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) for years.

The manager revealed that James died after battling prostate cancer which he had been suffering from. "The world knows him as Gunther from the hit series Friends. But those he loves know him as an actor, musician, cancer awareness advocate, and a loving husband," as stated in official statement quoted from E! Online, Monday, October 25.

"Michael left his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life who was together in the good times, in the pain and forever," he continued.

Condolences are also expressed by the Friends series. "Warner Bros. Television mourns the death of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and part of our Friends family," wrote the @friends account.

Before he died, James Michael Tyler announced his cancer in June 2021. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2018.

"I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer that has spread to my bones," James said in an interview.

"I've been dealing with it for almost the last three years, it's stage 4. Late stage cancer. So in the end, you know, it's probably going to get to me. This cancer decided to mutate during a pandemic and it progressed," he said.

Three years battling cancer, James Michael Tyler finally gave up. His last memory with Friends players was when he joined via zoom in Friends: The Reunion in May 2021.