Friends stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox lead tributes to James Michael Tyler following his death
Following the tragic death of Friends star James Michael Tyler, his co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox are among those who have paid tribute to him on social media.
Tyler was best known for playing Gunther, manager of the friends' favourite coffee shop Central Perk, who was deeply in love with Rachel (Aniston).
The actor was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in September 2018, and passed away yesterday morning (24 October).
Aniston, whose character Rachel had the closest relationship with Gunther as she used to work for him and he was infatuated with her, posted a clip from the Friends finale where he confesses his love.
Alongside the post, she wrote: "Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed."
Cox wrote in her Instagram post: "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."
Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey, posted a screenshot of a scene involving Tyler and himself, writing: "We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend."
Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe, also posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all," alongside a photo of Tyler in Central Perk as Gunther.
And Maggie Wheeler, who played Janice, added: "So grateful to have known this kind and gentle man. James Michael Tyler will be dearly missed. My thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."
Tyler appeared in nearly 150 episodes of the '90s sitcom, becoming a fan-favourite character despite not being part of the main group. He participated in the recent reunion show via video link, sharing his memories of his time on the series.
Following his diagnosis, he became a strong advocate for men to get tested for prostate cancer. His manager said in a statement: "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."
Tyler is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, and will forever be remembered on our TV screens as the lovable Gunther.
Friends streams on Netflix in the UK, where it also airs daily on Comedy Central. In the US, you can stream the show on HBO Max. The Friends reunion special is available on Sky Max and NOW in the UK, and HBO Max in the US.
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