Inside Article
James Michael Tyler might be one of the most famous actors for his recurring role. The actor won the heart of many viewers playing the role of Gunther, a coffee shop worker who was helplessly in love with Rachel Green. Despite only being a recurring actor, James was adored by many fans. Unfortunately, the actor’s death was a shock to many long-time fans of the show. The actor passed away shortly after his appearance in the long-awaited Friends Reunion.
James Michael Tyler was born on May 28 1962, in Greenwood, Mississippi and was 59 years old at his death. He held American nationality and came from White ethnicity. James graduated from Anderson College with a two-year degree in 1982 and Clemson University with a degree in geology in 1982. Later, he received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Georgia in 1987.
Cause of Death and Funeral
James Michael Tyler sadly passed away on October 24, 2021. The actor who was best known for playing the role of Gunther in the famous sitcom Friends died peacefully at his home on Sunday following his battle with prostate cancer. The actor was first diagnosed with the disease in 2018. He first revealed his battle with cancer in June when he spoke to NBC’s Today Show. Moreover, cancer had spread to his bones, and he was treated with hormone therapy. Following his tragic death, Friends stars shared their condolences and tribute to the late actor.
Jennifer Aniston shared that the show “would not have been the same” without the presence of Tyler’s performance.
“Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed”, she added.
Moreover, Courtney Cox also shared a tribute reading,
“The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you,”
“Rest In peace, James.”
Likewise, other cast members, including Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, shared their condolences on social media.
There is no information on James Michael’s Tyler funeral at the moment. However, we will surely update you more on his funeral in the coming days.
Net Worth, Salary, and Income
James started acting while at Clemson and went on to earn his MFA in Theater from the University of Georgia. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles and worked as a production assistant and film editor before being cast as an extra on the set of Friends in 1994. His extra role turned into a recurring role as Gunther, and he appeared in all ten seasons of the show, 148 episodes.
Besides Friends, the actor also appeared in other projects like Just Shoot Me, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, Scrubs, iCarly, Anger Management, Foreign Correspondents, and Live With It. His final appearance was in the HBO Max Special, Friends: The Reunion. Before his death, James Michael Tyler held a net worth of $4 million.
Married, Wife, and Children
James was married twice before his death. He was first married to Barbara Chadsey. The duo tied the knot in 1995. However, the pair remained married for nearly two decades. James filed for divorce in 2014, citing irreconcilable differences. Regardless, the couple had already been separated by 2003.
His second marriage was with Jennifer Carno in 2017. According to his manager, Toni Benson, Jennifer was “the love of his life, ever united in good times, in sickness, and for eternity.” Nonetheless, James did not have any children before his death.
Family, Parents, and Siblings
James Michael Tyler is the youngest of five children of his father, a former USAF captain, and mother, a homemaker. Unfortunately, he had lost his father when he was ten and his mother at 11. Following his parent’s death, James went to live with his sister in Anderson, South Carolina.
Body Measurement: Height and Weight
James stands at the height of 5 feet and 10 inches. The actor’s facial features include his brown coloured hair and blue coloured eyes.