James Michael Tyler, Friends' Gunther, emotionally reveals prostate cancer diagnosis

A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Thank you for signing up to TheWeek. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.
James Michael Tyler, the actor known for his role as coffee shop manager Gunther on Friends, is opening up about his battle with stage 4 prostate cancer.
Tyler in an appearance on the Today show Monday revealed he was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in September 2018. The cancer was discovered after he received a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test during a routine physical, he says.
"I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones," Tyler said. "It's stage 4, late stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it's gonna probably get me."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Tyler, who said the cast and creators of Friends are aware of his diagnosis, wasn't able to participate in the show's recent reunion special on HBO Max in person, but he made an appearance remotely via Zoom. James Corden explained during the special the actor "so desperately wanted to be part of" it.
Tyler told Today he wishes he had "gone in earlier" and urged viewers to ask their doctor for a PSA test, stressing the importance of detecting prostate cancer early.
"My goal this past year was to see my 59th birthday," he said. "I did that. My goal now is to help save at least one life."
Continue reading for free
We hope you're enjoying The Week's refreshingly open-minded journalism.
Subscribed to The Week? Register your account with the same email as your subscription.
Sign up to our 10 Things You Need to Know Today newsletter
A free daily digest of the biggest news stories of the day - and the best features from our website
Brendan is a staff writer at The Week. A graduate of Hofstra University with a degree in journalism, he also writes about horror films for Bloody Disgusting and has previously contributed to The Cheat Sheet, Heavy, WhatCulture, and more. He lives in New York City surrounded by Star Wars posters.
-
The ethnic conflict plaguing the Nagorno-Karabakh region
The Explainer Thousands of ethnic Armenians have begun fleeing the territory out of fear of persecution
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Rebuilding Ukraine: what would it take?
In Depth Russia continues to raze large sections of Ukraine, but that gives Kyiv a unique opening to build a better country — if somebody is willing to pay
By Peter Weber Published
-
Pros and cons of the International Baccalaureate
Pros and Cons IB offers a more holistic education and international outlook but puts specialists looking to study in the UK at a disadvantage
By The Week Staff Published
-
Exodus begins from Burning Man after desert mud trapped tens of thousands
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
'Margaritaville' singer Jimmy Buffett dies at 76
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
American Airlines suing website that offers tickets via price loopholes
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Federal agencies investigating near miss between Southwest jet and private plane
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Euphoria' star Angus Cloud dies at 25
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Pee-wee Herman actor Paul Reubens dies at 70
Speed Read
By Brendan Morrow Published
-
Trader Joe's recalls 4 products in a week amid reports of rocks and insects inside food
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Emmys to be postponed for first time since after 9/11 due to strikes
Speed Read
By Brendan Morrow Published