From Jennifer Aniston to David Schwimmer, the leading actors of 'Friends' shared heartfelt messages in memory of James Michael Tyler, who passed away at the age of 59.
He brewed coffee at Central Perk, harbored an unrequited love for Rachel Green, and delivered memorable one-liners that brought laughter to viewers. James Michael Tyler, best known for his role as 'Gunther,' the coffee shop waiter in the series "Friends," passed away on October 24 at the age of 59.
His departure profoundly affected the main cast of the show, consisting of Jennifer Aniston (Rachel Green), Matt LeBlanc (Joey Tribbiani), David Schwimmer (Ross Geller), Courteney Cox (Monica Geller), and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe Buffay). Each of them bid farewell to their fellow actor on social media.
Jennifer Aniston was among the first to express her sentiments, sharing a video clip on her Instagram account featuring her interactions with the late actor during their time on the series. She began her caption with, "'Friends' wouldn't have been the same without you."
"Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. We will miss you so much, James Michael Tyler," she added.
The Geller Siblings Remember Gunther David Schwimmer and Courteney Cox, who portrayed Ross and Monica Geller in "Friends," also paid tribute to James Michael Tyler, who battled prostate cancer before his passing.
"James, thank you for portraying such a wonderful, unforgettable character on 'Friends' and for being a big-hearted gentleman off-screen. We'll miss you, my friend," Schwimmer wrote in the description of his post.
Cox echoed similar sentiments on her Instagram account: "The magnitude of the gratitude you brought into the room and displayed every day on set is the magnitude of the gratitude I have for having known you. Rest in peace, James."
LeBlanc and Kudrow's Farewell Matt LeBlanc, known for his portrayal of the beloved Joey Tribbiani, also offered a brief yet heartfelt farewell to James Michael Tyler: "We shared many laughs, my friend. We will miss you. Rest in peace."
Likewise, Lisa Kudrow, via her Instagram post, expressed, "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for all of us." The only member of the main cast who did not publicly comment on the passing of his co-star was Matthew Perry, who portrayed the witty Chandler Bing on "Friends."
The official website of the series also paid tribute to the late Gunther, stating, "Warner Bros. Television mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our 'Friends' family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans."
