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‘Friends’ actor James Michael Tyler dies after cancer battle

James Michael Tyler seen playing Gunther on "Friends." The actor reportedly passed away Sunday. -- (Photo by: Danny Feld/NBCU Photo Bank)

(WJW) — The actor best known for playing Gunther on the long-running show “Friends” has reportedly died.

James Michael Tyler died at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday, according to his manager, Toni Benson. He was 59 years old.


He reportedly had stage 4 prostate cancer and had announced his diagnosis earlier this year, shortly after appearing on the “Friends” reunion show on HBO.

“The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh ‘Friend’), from the hit series ‘Friends,’ but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband,” Tyler’s family said in a statement to TMZ.

The actor made appearances on other TV shows, including “Scrubs,” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” throughout his career.

Tyler was reportedly first diagnosed with cancer in 2018. He leaves behind a wife.