RIP James Michael Tyler: Honor this ‘Friends’ actor with Gunther’s best quotes

American actor James Michael Tyler, best known for his role as Gunther in Friends, has died at age fifty-nine. After his battle with prostate cancer, Tyler passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, according to a statement from his manager.

Remember the actor and his iconic role as the Central Perk barista by reading statements from his manager and former Friends cast members. Also, check out some of Gunther’s most hilarious quotes from the popular sitcom.

Official statement from his manager

“The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh ‘Friend’), from the hit series Friends, but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband,” said the statement from his manager.

The notice also lovingly added, “If you met him once you made a friend for life.” It also shares that James Michael Tyler “ is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno, the love of his life.”

In 2018, Tyler was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer which later spread to his bones. As a result, the Friends actor had strongly promoted the need for men to get screened for the disease.

“Wanting to help as many people as possible, he bravely shared his story and became a campaigner for those with a prostate to get a. . . blood test as early as 40-years-old,” his manager said.

Friends cast pays tribute to James Michael Tyler

Most of the Friends cast took to Instagram to share their favorite moments with Tyler and their gratitude towards him. David Schwimmer, who played Ross, thanked Tyler for playing “such a wonderful, unforgettable role” in Friends. Schwimmer described Tyler as “such a big-hearted gentleman”. He concluded, “You will be missed, buddy.”

Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel, wrote in an Instagram post, “Friends would not have been the same without you. Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed”.

Meanwhile, Courtney Cox wrote, “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.”

It’s tragic to lose an actor from such a memorable & beloved role. Although Gunther’s character in Friends is minor, he was a fixture for the show and brought some of his own iconic lines. Let’s look at Gunther’s best quotes from Friends.

Gunther’s slight temper tantrum

As we all know, Gunther is infatuated with Rachel and can’t help but noticeably seethe with jealousy whenever she’s with another man. After Gunther has been trying to find a way to ask Rachel out on a date, another guy beats him to it right before his eyes.

As a result, Gunther makes his way to the back of the shop and noisily breaks everything in sight, all off-screen. However, the noise of utter destruction shocks everyone in Central Perk. When he returns back to the counter, Gunther dryly declares, “I dropped a cup.”

Gunther, the barista/Porsche-owner

Considering Gunther has to see the Friends crew on what seems to be a daily basis, he’s got no problem hitting them with his iconic deadpan sarcasm. After Joey finds a pair of Porsche keys sitting on the cafe’s counter, he asks Gunther if they belong to him. In response, Gunther coldly replies, “Yes, that’s what I drive. I make four bucks an hour. I saved up for 350 years.”

Nosey, but not exactly informed

Obviously, Gunther is around the gang fairly often. However, sometimes we’ve got to be reminded that the Central Perk manager/waiter has his own life too. Yes, he eavesdrops from time to time, but he doesn’t by any means know everything about the Friends group.

This is evident after Joey comes running into the coffee shop and asks Gunther if he’s seen Chandler, to which he responds, “I thought you were Chandler.” We can’t help but laugh at how blatantly honest Gunther is. He even further adds, “One of you is over there.”

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Rest in peace James Michael Tyler, your humor & talent will be missed. What are some of your favorite quotes from Gunther? Is he your favorite Friends side character? Let us know in the comments below!