Friends actor James Michael Tyler has died at 59 following three-year prostate cancer battle

Friends actor James Michael Tyler died at 59 at his Los Angeles home on Sunday following a three-year battle with stage four prostate cancer.

A rep for the actor, who played Gunther on the hit NBC series, confirmed the actor’s passing to TMZ. 

‘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,’ his family said in a statement. 

RIP: Friends actor James Michael Tyler died at 59 at his Los Angeles home on Sunday following a three-year battle with stage four prostate cancer

His family continued: ‘Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures. If you met him once you made a friend for life.’

The actor was initially diagnosed with cancer in 2018 and didn’t publicly reveal his battle until earlier this year.

Tyler had appeared on 150 episodes of the hit show during its run from 1994 thru 2004. He had also appeared on shows including Sabrina the Teenage Witch, Modern Music, Just Shoot Me! and Scrubs.

Tyler is survived by his wide Jennifer Carno.