The Friends star reveals he’s been diagnosed with stage four cancer
(Picture: Getty Images)Fans shared their sadness and support on social media after it was revealed Friends actor, James Michael Tyler, is suffering from stage four prostate cancer.
The star who is known and loved for playing the Central Perk coffee shop worker, Gunther, opened up on Monday’s NBC Today Show about his health struggles since being diagnosed in September 2018.
He explained that the illness had not been caught early and had advanced to other parts of his body. He told TV host Craig Melvin, “I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years. It’s stage four now. Late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”
The 59-year-old explained that he was initially supposed to make a cameo in-person at the recent HBO Max, Friends reunion special, but instead opted to appear via Zoom.
Confirming that his ex co-stars knew about his illness, he said:
💔news about #michaeltyler #gunther #friends ☕ Stage4 cancer. My thoughts & prayers go out to the funniest coffee shop owner, who's hair was brighter than the sun. 😢🙏 pic.twitter.com/G1oP0EL2K0
— Jane Carroll🍀 (@coffeebeankid) June 21, 2021
“It was bittersweet, honestly. I was very happy to be included. 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, you know?
“I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer.’”
Tyler was one of the original Friends cast members who joined back in 1994 when the series first aired. His well-loved sarcastic wit and unrequited love for Rachel Green - played by Jennifer Aniston - went down an instant hit with fans and led to a 10-year career in the sitcom. Despite being a minor character, he appeared in 148 out of 236 episodes and remains iconic to this day.
Oh Gunther! James was such a joy to watch on Friends, his comedic timing, his style, he just brought so much to that role! Hoping James is as comfortable as he can be and thanking him for all the smiles and laughs over the years. ❤️
— DeeDee Bee (@SUNLOVELIGHT) June 21, 2021
NOOOO GUNTHER, NO!!! https://t.co/zwjFZfcS57
— Stefanía A. (@vaarekai) June 21, 2021
Fans were heartbroken when the news broke this morning and flocked to social media to express their overwhelming support.
Pray for James Michael Tyler, Gunther from Friends.
— Sienna Summer (@SiennaSummerEIC) June 21, 2021
He has stage four prostate cancer and the prognosis is not looking too good!
🙏🏽
Gunther from friends has stage 4 cancer 💔
— 🚩 (@tsrbys) June 21, 2021
Cancer is a heartless B! Gunther was undoubtedly the 7th Friend. Breaks my heart he’s battling cancer. 😫💔 https://t.co/P8SmEB5f9Y
— Blocked by Big Ed The Mucinex Snot (@oucrimsongirl) June 21, 2021
Gunther from friends has stage 4 cancer 💔
— 🚩 (@tsrbys) June 21, 2021
James Michael Tyler (Gunther in FRIENDS) is fighting from stage 4 cancer since 2018. It’s such a sad news.
— frost (@gaz_dot_com) June 21, 2021
Just found out James Michael Tyler, better known as Gunther from Friends, is battling Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. My heart is breaking 💔 thoughts are with him and family at this really terrifying time
— The One That Rolls 💙 (@ThatRolls) June 21, 2021
Finding out @slate_michael has stage 4 prostate cancer this morning just ruined my Monday 😭 #friends #gunther
— Kay 🌹 (@kayymarie321) June 21, 2021
