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GOODBYE GUNTHER

Friends stars pay tribute to actor Tyler

Eleanor Sharples TV and Radio Correspondent

THE stars of Friends paid tribute yesterday to James Michael Tyler, who played waiter Gunther in the US sitcom.

Tyler, 59, who was diagnosed in 2018 with prostate cancer which had spread to his bones, died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday.

He did not reveal his illness until June, posting a picture on Instagram saying he had just completed chemotherapy. His final post in July was of him reading a poem, If You Knew, about death and eternal life.

His character Gunther, who managed the Central Perk coffee shop, was famed for his secret crush on Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston.

Miss Aniston wrote yesterday: ‘Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives.’

David Schwimmer, who played Ross, added: ‘James, thank you for playing such a wonderful, unforgettable role... and for being such a big-hearted gentleman. You will be missed, buddy.’

Courteney Cox (Monica), Matt LeBlanc (Joey), Matthew Perry (Chandler) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe) also posted tributes.

Twice-married Tyler was in 148 episodes of Friends during its ten-year run. He also appeared in Sabrina The Teenage Witch and Scrubs.

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