Friends Actor Who Played 'Gunther' Reveals He's Battling Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Since 2018
The 59-year-old actor played the Central Perk manager and Rachel¡¯s admirer on the hit American sitcom for 10 seasons.
Friends actor James Michael Tyler, who played Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) unrequited lover, has recently revealed he is battling stage 4 prostate cancer. The 59-year-old actor played the Central Perk manager and Rachel¡¯s admirer on the hit American sitcom for 10 seasons.
HBO
He made an appearance on NBC¡¯s Today Show on Monday and bared his heart out.
¡°In September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones," he told host Craig Melvin. Tyler added that the doctors discovered his cancer at the age of 56 during a routine physical.
As part of his treatment, doctors began hormone therapy. When the actor was further questioned if his Friends cast knows his health update, he added that he already knew about his illness.
Twitter
He said the show¡¯s producers had been aware ¡°for a long time" and that Schwimmer (Ross) got in touch with him on Instagram.
In another heartbreaking revelation, Tyler said his disease started ¡°mutating" during the pandemic, which led to his tumor spreading up and down his spine. He said he is unable to walk. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s stage 4¡ªlate-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it¡¯s gonna probably get me," he added. He broke down and got emotional while describing his journey with the disease, and he reminded everyone that earlier detection is key.
He expressed his regret of not listening to ¡°my wonderful wife."
He further urged and made an honest plea to his fans and said, ¡°ask your doctor for a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test" next time they go in for an examination or check-up, adding that ¡°caught early (it is) 99% treatable."
Fans are heartbroken with the news.
Wishing James Michael Tyler who played Gunther on #Friends as much comfort as he can get while battling stage 4 prostate cancer. pic.twitter.com/qgiowdCQyh
¡ª Duane (@DuaneAAA) 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
¡ª Blocked by Big Ed The Mucinex Snot (@oucrimsongirl) June 21, 2021
Jen, please have one coffee date with Gunther for us all :') Idk, that just came from my heart...
¡ª Zainab (@lighterleteana) June 22, 2021
get well gunther :(
¡ª alysson (@segarinotrix) June 22, 2021
So Gunther has stage 4 of prostate cancer? ??
¡ª Genie - Regina Phalange (@chiaweiswift) June 22, 2021
So sorry to hear this Michael ?
¡ª Gayle Fallon (@GayleFallon11) June 21, 2021
I've had my own cancer journey, it never leaves you ?
Sending much love and hope ?? ....you never know, a new treatment or even a cure could be just around the corner ??
Take care xx
Tyler made a special appearance via Zoom call for all his fans on the ¡°Friends: The Reunion" special.
Agencies
The special program had aired on HBO Max, and it included the original cast¡ª Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry who reunited to give everyone a trip down the memory lane.
