Friends actor James Michael Tyler has revealed he is battling stage four prostate cancer.
The star, who is best known for playing coffee shop worker Gunther on the sitcom, told of his heartbreaking health issues on Monday’s NBC’s Today show.
He says he was diagnosed three years ago, but the cancer has unfortunately spread to other parts of his body.
He told TV host Craig Melvin: “‘I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones.
“I’ve been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the past three years. It’s stage 4 (now). Late stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”
The TV actor told during the chat that doctors were optimistic when he was first diagnosed, but the cancer started “mutating” after he missed an appointment and test amid the pandemic.
(Image: ITV)
He explained: ‘I missed going in for a test, which was not a good thing.
He detailed: “The cancer decided to mutate at the time of the pandemic and so it’s progressed.”
James is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
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Gunther is probably one of the most loved minor characters in Friends and he often starred in scenes with the big names of the show as the barista at Central Perk coffee shop – where the gang would hang out.
James was only originally cast as an extra but ended up with a bigger role as he was the only one who knew how to use the coffee machine.
(Image: PA)
Despite working with the Friends stars for a decade, James previosly said he lost touch with most of them after the show.
In fact, after the wrap party he didn’t speak to Jennifer Aniston for 15 years.
He told the Daily Star Sunday: “I haven’t seen Jennifer since the wrap party, honestly. It’s been 15 years since it ended.
“That was a time of our lives when we were lucky enough to be able to work together for 10 years and have that sort of chemistry.
“She lives in another city. I’m not going to go and hang outside her house and wait for her to come outside and say hello. That would be kind of weird.”
He added: “It’s nothing personal. Actors move on. It’s been a long time. I’m married and other people are married. Things change.”
