'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' fame James Michael Tyler passes away at 59

Actor James Michael Tyler, who became extremely popular with his role of Gunther in the cult sitcom, F.R.I.E.N.D.S has passed away at 59. "Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning," a statement from his manager said.

"If you met him once you made a friend for life," it added. "[He] is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life."

Tyler was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018 which later spread to his bones.

"Wanting to help as many people as possible, he bravely shared his story and became a campaigner for those with a prostate to get a... blood test as early as 40-years-old," his manager said. Gunther worked as a waiter and manager in the show's coffee house, Central Perk. He had a crush on Jennifer Aniston's character Rachel throughout the series, who also worked there as a waitress in the show's early seasons.

"The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh Friend)... but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband", his manager said.In May, Tyler made a brief appearance on the Friends reunion special last month via Zoom.

"It was the most memorable 10 years of my life, honestly," the actor said at the time of the show. "I could not have imagined just a better experience," he said. "All these guys were fantastic and just a joy to work with. It felt very, very special."

Tyler appeared in almost 150 episodes of the comedy which ran on NBC from 1994 to 2004.

Warner Bros Television, one of the co-producers of the sitcom, said Tyler was "a beloved actor and integral part of our Friends family". Many Friends fans have been paying tribute to Tyler on social media, describing the passing of the actor as a sad day and sharing their favourite on-screen memories of him.

Michael continued to perform in recent years while undergoing treatment for cancer.

We hope his soul rests in peace.