James Michael Tyler, aka Gunther from the popular series F.R.I.E.N.D.S. lost an unfortunate battle to cancer. Tyler, 59, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in the year 2018. Every time the Friends set went on tour throughout the world, he would speak to the press. When admirers of the programme approached him, he would pose for selfies and sign autographs. Here are 6 of Gunther’s best moments.
6 of Gunther’s best moments
His debut on F.R.I.E.N.D.S
Could there be any better start? He made his debut in the second episode of season 1. The name of the episode is, ‘The one with Sonogram’. Surprisingly, there were no lines for him until episode number 33. In this episode, he spoke the word ‘Yeah’. Ross presented him with the slinky he had originally purchased for Rachel in his first speaking moment. “Hey Gunther, you got stairs in your place?” Ross asked. “Yeah,” Gunther replies. “Go nuts,” says Ross, handing him the springy toy.
Obsessing over Rachel
Can we ever talk about Gunther without mentioning Rachel? Gunther’s most prominent personality attribute was his affection for Jennifer Aniston’s character. Sometimes his feelings for her came through in his remarks. At times, we could hear his inner monologue like a voiceover. In any case, the poor barista never seemed to get a break. In one episode, “What does Rachel see in this guy?” he thinks to himself in one episode as she sits politely listening to one of Ross’s dinosaur stories. “I love Rachel, I wish she was my wife,” he adds. There are several other moments we can’t decide which one of them is our favourite.
Never changing hairstyle
Gunther’s white-blonde hair was his signature look, although it was never meant to be that colour. Tyler’s friend attempted to colour it the night before his audition, but it didn’t work out as expected. However, it is evident that the actor was not harmed. In fact, his eye-catching hair certainly helped the actor grab the attention of viewers in the early years when he was virtually an extra. Unfortunately for Tyler, the producers liked it as well, which meant he had to bleach his hair every week for the next ten years.
Standards of decency
One of the most adorable qualities of Gunther was his decency. In season three, Gunther helped Phoebe get out of a sticky situation regarding a man she was dating. Her boyfriend, Robert, was dressed in very baggy shorts, which drew a lot of attention from others around him. When Gunther walks by their table, he swiftly tells Robert: “Hey buddy, this is a family place. Put the mouse back in the house.”
Goodbye to Rachel
As Friends drew to a close, Gunther summoned the guts to reveal his emotions for Rachel before she left for Paris. This definitely left everyone in awe. Gunther tells her: “I know you’re leaving tonight, but I just have to tell you. I love you. I… Don’t know if that changes your plans at all? But I thought you should know.” To which Rachel replies: “Gunther. Oh, I love you too. Probably not in the same way, but I do. And when I’m in a café, having coffee, or I see a man with hair brighter than the sun, I’ll think of you.”
The reunion
When the Friends cast reunited in early 2021 for their much-anticipated reunion, numerous members of the supporting cast joined them to celebrate. Tyler’s importance to the show is evidenced by the fact that he was the only star permitted to appear through Zoom rather than in person. Of course, we now know that Tyler was having mobility issues. He couldn’t walk because of cancer. He needed a wheelchair at home, though it wasn’t obvious during the reunion. “It was the most memorable 10 years of my life, honestly,” he tells the host James Corden. “I could not have imagined a better experience. All these guys were fantastic. It was a joy to work with them. I felt very, very special.”