James Michael Tyler: See Photos of the Beloved ‘Friends’ Star

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June 22, 2021 3:09PM EDT

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James Michael Tyler

James Michael Tyler — To his friends and family, he’s known as James Michael Tyler. But to fans of Friends, he’ll forever be Gunther. Actor James Michael scored a life-changing role in 1994 when he was cast as Gunther, the sarcastic manager of the Central Perk coffee shop, in the beloved NBC sitcom Friends. Gunter, who crushed hard on Jennifer Aniston’s Rachel Green, was in 148 episodes across all ten seasons of the show, the most of any other recurring character.

In June 2021, James Michael shared the heartbreaking news that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 prostate cancer three years earlier. Due to his health, James Michael was unable to attend the Friends reunion special on HBO Max in May 2021 in-person. But he did call in via video, much to the pleasure of the series’ six main stars. Scroll through the gallery to see more photos of James Michael Tyler.

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James Michael Tyler in season 7 of Friends

James Michael Tyler in season 7 of Friends — James Michael Tyler as Gunther in season 7 of Friends, which aired from Oct. 2000 to May 2001 on NBC.

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James Michael Tyler in London

James Michael Tyler in London — James Michael Tyler poses on the London Eye in Britain on May 26, 2004. The photo was taken just three weeks after the series finale of Friends aired.

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James Michael Tyler at Comedy Central’s FriendsFest

James Michael Tyler at Comedy Central’s FriendsFest — James Michael Tyler poses on the red carpet at Comedy Central’s FriendsFest launch at the Boiler House in London on Sept. 15, 2015

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James Michael Tyler at the Friends DVD Launch party

James Michael Tyler at the Friends DVD Launch party — James Michael Tyler gives a thumbs up at the Friends DVD launch party at the CC Club in London on May 26, 2004.

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James Michael Tyler Poses with Gunther in Paris

James Michael Tyler Poses with Gunther in Paris — James Michael Tyler poses with a photo of his Friends character Gunther in Paris, France on June 11, 2004.

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