James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor from the hit series Friends, passed away from prostate cancer at age 59, on October 24. James was diagnosed back in 2018 with stage 4 prostate cancer. As the months went by, the cancer spread to his bones which led to a paralysis on his lower body and worsened during the pandemic and progressed. He was at his home Sunday morning when he passed away peacefully.

James Michael Tyler was best known as the coffee shop barista, Gunther. Not only was he an actor, he was also a musician, cancer- awareness advocate, but most of all a loving and caring husband. Some of his favorite things to do were listen to live music and watch the Clemson Tigers play, according to National Public Radio news. Friends wasn’t the only show that James appeared on, he was in Scrubs, Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Modern Music, and so much more. He was loved and adored by all of his castmates and producers, everyone enjoyed being around him. His energy and spirit is what his friends and family loved most about him.

Cast members from Friends‘ received the news and posted some pictures on social media paying tribute to the life of James. Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel on Friends’, captioned an Instagram post with James on the set of Friends’ saying, “Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for all the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed.”  Matt Leblanc, who played Joey, said “ We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend,” under a picture of Matt and James together.  Courtney Cox shared her thoughts as well by saying, “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.”

“I think it is sad because he was a funny side character,” senior Tasha Arslanouk commented on the passing of Tyler.

As a beloved actor, friend, and husband he will truly be missed and appreciated from everyone.