James Michael Tyler, who played the role of Gunther in the hit show Friends, has died aged 59.
This comes as an unearthed Instagram post comes to light where the actor touched upon the subject of death.
The actor passed away at his home in Los Angeles on October 24, after a representative confirmed his passing following a battle with advanced prostate cancer.
His last Instagram video, posted 14 weeks prior to his death was a heartbreaking poem about death.
A video for If You Knew, a poem by Stephen J. Kalinich, read by James Michael Tyler from the album “Be Still” – was posted onto his account a couple of months ago, but has now been flooded with tributes.
(Image: Getty Images)
James can be heard reciting the poem in the video, where he reads: “If you knew that death was a thought, would you let it dissolve and live forever?”
The poem continued, as he read: “If you knew that your soul had wings and rode on a great gold chariot of love, would you ever settle for less than the whole?”
Concluding, the poem he read: “If you knew that when you see in your mind’s eye a transparent man that has a glowing light around himself, that holds in his hands plans, universes, and solar systems, would you know that that man is is you?”
(Image: James Michael Tyler/Instagram)
Tributes have now flooded the post, with fans of the late actor writing sweet messages.
One said: “Rip sweet James. so so sorry.. love and strength for your loved ones..”
Another said: “RIP LEGEND.”
While a third penned: “You’re alive.we remember you forever.”
On Sunday, October 24 a spokesperson for his family said: “The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh ‘Friend’) from the hit series Friends, but Michael’s loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband.”
(Image: James Michael Tyler/Instagram)
They went on to say: “Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures. If you met him once you made a friend for life.”
James first shared news of his diagnosis in 2018 after his cancer had spread to his bones.
The late actor’s manager said: “Wanting to help as many people as possible, he bravely shared his story and became a campaigner for those with a prostate to get a… blood test as early as 40-years-old.”
Speaking on NBC’s Today show, James told 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, late-stage cancer, so eventually, you know, it’s gonna probably get me.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
