James Michael Tyler, known best as Gunther from Friends, has sadly disclosed he has stage four prostate cancer. The actor briefly appeared in the Friends reunion by video link, as he says he couldn't reunite with the cast in person due to his condition. 'I was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, which had spread to my bones,' he said, revealing the news in an interview with NBC's Today show. '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 actor, 59, said he was originally diagnosed in September 2018. 'I was 56 years old at the time, and they screen for PSA, which is prostate-specific antigen,' he said. 'That came back at an extraordinarily high number... so I knew immediately when I went online and I saw the results of my blood test and blood work that there was obviously something quite wrong there. Nearly immediately, my doctor called me and said, "Hey, I need you to come in tomorrow because I suspect that you may have quite a serious problem with your prostate.'"'
James first underwent hormone therapy, but following a missed test, the cancer has now spread to his bones, and has left his lower body paralysed. He is now undergoing chemotherapy.
He said he is sharing the diagnosis in the hopes other men ask for a PSA test even if they aren't showing any symptoms. 'There are other options available to men if they catch it before me,' he said. 'Next time you go in for just a basic exam or your yearly check-up, please ask your doctor for a PSA test. It’s easily detectable. If it spreads beyond the prostate to the bones, which is most prevalent in my form, it can be a lot more difficult to deal with.'
Gunther, the manager of the Central Perk coffee shop, appeared in all ten seasons of the hit sitcom. James added that cast members knew he wasn't well, and that it was his decision to Zoom in to the reunion. 'I wanted to be a part of it, and initially I was going to be on the stage, at least, with them, and be able to take part in all the festivities,' he said. 'It was bittersweet, honestly. I was very happy to be included. It was my decision not to be a part of that physically and make an appearance on Zoom, basically, because I didn't wanna bring a downer on it, you know? I didn't want to be like, "Oh, and by the way, Gunther has cancer".'
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