Friends stars show 'gratitude' for Gunther actor James Michael Tyler

James Michael Tyler has lost his battle with advanced prostate cancer at the age of 59. The actor was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018. In the wake of the news, Friends cast members gathered online to post touching tributes to the Gunther actor.

Friends stars including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc have paid tribute to James Michael Tyler on Instagram.

Jennifer Aniston said the show "would not have been the same" without Tyler's performance as the Central Perk waiter.

"Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed," she added.

Co-star Courtney Cox, who played Monica, added her own tribute. "The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you. Rest In peace, James." she wrote.

Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe on the show, wrote online: "James Michael Tyler, we will miss you." Referencing a line from the show's there tune, she added: "Thank you for being there for us all."

Matt LeBlanc, meanwhile, shared a photo of his character Joey chatting to Gunther in Central Perk.

"We had a lot of laughs buddy," LeBlanc posted. "You will be missed. RIP my friend."