James Michael Tyler has handed away. The beloved actor had roles in Scrubs and Sabrina The Teenage Witch, however he’s greatest identified for taking part in the barista Gunther on Buddies. Have been it not for a novel skill, Tyler doubtless would’ve solely had one look on the legendary present, as a substitute of 148.
A Historical past Of Tyler
Tyler grew up in Mississippi, the youngest of 5 youngsters. He misplaced each his mother and father by age 11 and moved to South Carolina along with his sister. Quickly thereafter, he discovered a ardour for performing and earned an MFA on the College of Georgia in 1987.
Like 1000’s if not tens of millions of others, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue his performing dream. To make ends meet he labored as a barista. The actor’s large break got here largely from coincidence: whereas working behind the counter, he was requested if he’d prefer to audition for Buddies.
Break Got here From Coincidence
His expertise with the espresso machine received him the function of Gunther. In 2018, Tyler spoke to Digital Spy about his distinctive break. “You know, I honestly always thought my Master in Fine Arts would get me further in the acting world than knowing how to work an espresso machine! That was a happy accident and I’m very, very grateful to have had that skill.” The bit function ultimately led to Gunther primarily changing into the seventh “Friend.” He even received his personal Lego minifig.
A part of what made Gunther stand out was his dyed white hair. This was a coincidence as effectively. Tyler didn’t normally hold his hair white. He defined, “I have a friend who wanted to practice on my head because they wanted to be a stylist. So I offered what hair I had left to turn white. That was a happy coincidence!” Tyler didn’t take pleasure in having to bleach his hair each week for a decade, however thinks “it was quite necessary and it definitely completed the character.”
A Beautiful Man
He referred to as Jennifer Aniston “an absolutely wonderful human being and a terrific actor.” The kindness went each methods. Aniston posted a tribute to Tyler on her Instagram, thanking him for “the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives.”
By means of this whole interview, Tyler comes off as a pleasant man who actually appreciated tagging alongside for one of many largest reveals in tv historical past. He sings the praises of his co-stars however didn’t push for both a Buddies reunion or a Gunther-themed spinoff. His most cancers precluded him from making an in-person look on the Buddies reunion, however he nonetheless appeared through Zoom. Buddies is so ubiquitous that it immortalizes Tyler.