James Michael Tyler played everyone’s favorite coffee shop manager, Gunther on the smash hit, Friends for ten years. He recently resurfaced to say hello via webcam on the Friends Reunion and fans were taken aback at how much the man had changed since Central Perk shuttered its doors.
Now Tyler has opened up on the Today show to explain why he looks so gaunt. He is currently battling stage four prostate cancer.
On Monday, June 21 the 59-year-old actor spoke frankly about receiving the the diagnosis in September 2018. It was during a routine physical that his doctor discovered Tyler was unknowingly suffering from advanced prostate cancer. Worse still, it had metastasized to his bones.
Friends Actor James Michael Tyler (Gunther) Reveals Cancer Diagnosis
“I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years,” Tyler revealed. “It’s stage 4 [now], late-stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”
Currently undergoing chemotherapy, Tyler spoke about a hormone therapy that “worked amazingly” for a year or so but now the cancer has progressed and spread throughout his body, affecting his spine, which led to paralysis of his lower body.
The chat soon moved to the HBO Max Friends reunion special which premiered in May. Tyler was thrilled to be a part of the special and chose to join via Zoom rather than take the stage with the cast in person. Tyler appeared virtually on the HBO Max Friends reunion special, which premiered last month.
The star – who accidentally went from background extra to the featured role of Gunther because he was the only one in the scene who knew how to operate a coffee machine – explained that he still wanted to be part of the event, even if not in-person.
“It was bittersweet, honestly. I was very happy to be included. It was my decision not to be a part of that physically, and make an appearance on Zoom, basically because I didn’t wanna bring a downer on it, you know? I didn’t want to be like, ‘Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer.’ ”
Tyler is now making it a mission to create awareness about men’s health, specifically men getting regular prostate checks.
“There are other options available to men if they catch it before me,” he encouraged. “Next time you go in for just a basic exam or your yearly check-up, please ask your doctor for a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test.”
He went on to remind men that, if caught early, the cancer is easily treatable. “I don’t want people to have to go through what I’ve been going through,” said Tyler.
We’re so sorry to hear your news and wish you all the best, James.
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