Friends stars pay tribute to co-star James Michael Tyler after he passes away from cancer
Entertainment

Friends stars pay tribute to co-star James Michael Tyler after he passes away from cancer

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of James Michael Tyler, who played Gunther on the 90s hit sitcom Friends.

The 59-year-old passed away peacefully in his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, according to his manager.

In June, Tyler revealed that he was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer three years ago, and likely wouldn't live to see another Christmas.

He said that in his most recent examination the cancer had spread to his bones, adding "eventually ... it's gonna probably get me."

"If you met him once, you made a friend for life," his manager said in a statement. "He is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life."

Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel in Friends, shared a touching clip of the last scene she and Tyler filmed together on social media - the scene where Gunther finally tells Rachel how he feels about her following a decade of secret infatuation.

"Friend would not have been the same without you," Aniston wrote.

"Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed."

Coureney Cox, who played Monica, also posted a tribute on Instagram.

"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," she wrote.

"Rest in peace James."

Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe, wrote: "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you. Thank you for being there for us all."

Matt LeBlanc (Joey) shared a shot of him and Tyler on set, writing: "We had a lot of laughs buddy. You will be missed. RIP my friend."

David Schwimmer, who played Ross, wrote: "James, thank you for playing such a wonderful, unforgettable role in Friends and for being such a big-hearted gentleman and all round mensch off screen.

"You will be missed buddy."

At the time of writing, Matthew Perry - who played Chandler - hasn't spoken publicly about Tyler's death, but the official Friends Instagram account chimed in with a touching tribute.

"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."