Mandatory Tweets: The Best ‘Friends’ Fans Reactions to Losing Gunther, Tribute to James Michael Tyler

Every sitcom has its side characters, but not every side character makes such an impact that they’re always remembered along with the all-star cast of the show. On Sunday morning, the world lost James Michael Tyler, better known to us all as Gunther from Friends, after a battle with prostate cancer.

Always there to deliver a one-liner or two, Gunther was a character everyone could relate to, the one in love with someone who was always just out of reach. He was always lurking around in the background when we would hang with our crew at the Central Perk but when he approached someone, you knew something was about to happen, especially if Ross was involved. We still ship a Gunther and Rachel ending. And somewhere in an alternate ‘What if…’ timeline maybe it went down that way.

While we mourn the loss of one of television’s greats, everyone took to Twitter to post their tributes to our favorite barista. But first, here are a few GIFs of some of our favorite Gunther moments.

Photo: picture alliance / Contributor (Getty Images)

We lost a good Friend yesterday in James Michael Tyler. Gunther, you will be missed. Read in Peace.

— matthew perry (@MatthewPerry) October 25, 2021

While reading about James Michael Tyler's tragic death, Rachel's final words to Gunther came to mind…

"When I'm in a café, having coffee, or I see a man with hair brighter than the sun, I'll think of you" ? https://t.co/4p8nEsEJm8

— Anna Collinson (@AnnaCollinson) October 24, 2021

Our unforgettable Gunther! We'll love you forever! Sending love to James Michael Tyler's family and friends. pic.twitter.com/iVy4lPX7Ol

— Maria Luisa (@maluumedeiros_) October 24, 2021

James Michael Tyler was an actual barista at The Bourgeois Pig on Franklin in Hollywood before he was cast as a barista on Friends. Kind, soft spoken and in those days kinda hip artsy with platinum hair. He invited me to sit with him at his table one Saturday morn at the 1/2 https://t.co/LuQ4511Pvx

— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) October 25, 2021

James Michael Tyler slipped away from these earthly bonds this am. He insisted using his diagnosis and struggle to raise awareness and did more good than he likely knew. I so enjoyed my visit with him toward the end of his struggle. He’ll be sorely missed but he did lots of good. https://t.co/2NoBv7psTU

— Craig Melvin (@craigmelvin) October 25, 2021

Beyond gutted to hear about the passing James Michael Tyler aka Gunther.

Anyone who’s ever listened to our show knows how highly we regard him and what a critical part of Friends he was. He leaves a hell of a legacy.

Rest easy, king pic.twitter.com/3mY71m8fnz

— Friends til the End Podcast (@FriendsPod) October 24, 2021

Gutted to hear about James Michael Tyler’s passing.

There were so many episodes of Friends where Gunther made me laugh so hard my face hurt.

A huge thank you to him for bringing so much joy into my life.

Too many people still dying of cancer. And at 59 ? #RIPJamesMichaelTyler pic.twitter.com/mojJ0CtblO

— Roxy Striar (@roxystriar) October 24, 2021

https://twitter.com/kbrightELA/status/1452295647248490526?s=20