The 59-year-old actor who famously played Gunther in the hit comedy series is sharing the news of his advanced cancer status as he wishes to prevent others from having to share the same fate.
Diagnosed in 2018, Tyler’s cancer has now spread to his bones, he is urging other men to get screened for prostate cancer as an early diagnosis could save their lives.
He was 56 years old at the time he was diagnosed and had gone for a routine check-up which included a PSA test. The results showed that Tyler was already at an advanced stage which is why he is now encouraging other men to get tested as the disease is easily treatable if detected early enough.
Tyler said his cancer stopped him from appearing in person during last month’s Friends reunion, which he instead joined via a zoom link.
Tyler, who played an always deadpan waiter at the Central Perk coffee shop in Friends, has stated that he hopes that revealing his cancer diagnosis will at least save “one life.’
He shared the news on the Today Show.
Actor James Michael Tyler (@slate_michael) played Gunther on “Friends” for 10 years, but he was unable to attend the recent cast reunion in person because he’s been battling a serious health issue. Now he’s sharing his news for the first time with @craigmelvin. pic.twitter.com/272tg4Sbvc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 21, 2021
