Friends Actor James Michael Tyler Discloses Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Jun 22, 2021 by apost team

Actor James Michael Tyler, best known for his role as "Gunther" on the hit sitcom "Friends" has heartbreakingly revealed that he is battling stage 4 prostate cancer. The 59-year-old actor publicly opened up about his diagnosis for the first time on the Today Show on June 21, 2021.

This news is sure to shock fans of the show. Even though Tyler was a minor character on the show, he captured the hearts of millions of fans. Gunther was a barista at the group's favorite coffee shop, Central Perk. Tyler's character was known for his grumbling responses and impatient attitude, except when it came to his unrequited love, Rachel. 

Tyler had only worked on one other production before appearing on the show. It was a short film called "The Roommate," and he portrayed a bar patron. After "Friends," Tyler went on to be featured on a number of television series, including Matt LeBlanc's "Episodes." He was recently in two short films back in 2020 and had a recurring role as Chad Levitz on the TV series "Modern Music" in 2013.

In 2019, "Friends" celebrated its 25th anniversary, and in 2021, HBO released "Friends: The Reunion," which was a special episode that brought all of the cast together for the first time in years. Tyler was included in the reunion special, to the delight of fans everywhere, but he joined the show virtually and was not able to be present in person. On the Today Show, he revealed that his cancer battle prevented him from being there in person. 

While speaking on the show, USA Today reported that Tyler said, "I'm sorry to say that I'm not appearing today with you to announce that there's a 'Friends' movie," and heartbreakingly added, "Actually, I'm here to let you know that in September of 2018, I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer."

Speaking about his diagnosis, the actor said:

"I was 56 years old at the time, and they screen for PSA, which is prostate-specific antigen." He continued, "That came back at an extraordinarily high number... so I knew immediately when I went online and I saw the results of my blood test and blood work that there was obviously something quite wrong there."

BBC News reported that he got a call almost immediately from his doctor, telling him that he has a "serious problem" with his prostate. Unfortunately, he missed another test during the pandemic and the cancer spread to his bones. He revealed that he is now at stage four. "Late stage cancer," he confirmed in the video. "So eventually, you know, it's gonna probably get me."

Tyler also said that he wanted to take the opportunity to share his diagnosis to urge other men to get themselves checked out at their next doctor's appointment. "There are other options available to men if they catch it before me," Tyler said.

Tyler got emotional when he was asked if he would do anything differently and said, "I would've listened to my wonderful wife, who has been my absolute strength throughout all of this," adding, "I would have gone in earlier and would've hopefully been caught earlier. Next time you go in for a basic exam or your yearly check up, please ask your doctor for a PSA test. Caught early, (it's) 99% treatable."

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Tyler also revealed why he was not present in person for the long-awaited "Friends: The Reunion" show on HBO, which was released on May 27, 2021. "I wanted to be a part of that, and initially I was going to be on the stage, at least, with them, and be able to take part in all the festivities," Tyler explained. "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.'"

During his appearance on the reunion special in May, Tyler said, "It was the most memorable 10 years of my life, honestly," He also loved working with other members of the show. "I could not have imagined just a better experience. All these guys were fantastic and just a joy to work with. It felt very, very special." Even though Tyler was a side character as Gunther, fans are unlikely to ever forget the bottle-blond manager of Central Perk whose presence on the show was subtle but integral. 

Tyler added that his diagnosis has not been secret from the producers of the show and that they have "been aware for a long time." He also said that cast members such as David Schwimmer have "corresponded with me via Instagram."

The actor finally said, "My goal this past year was to see my 59th birthday. I did that, May 28th," He continued, "My goal now is to help save at least one life by coming out with this news."

Our thoughts are with James Michael Tyler during this difficult time. Tell us your thoughts about this heartbreaking diagnosis, and be sure to let others know about this news as well.