James Michael Tyler, the man who played Gunther in Friends, has died at the age of 59. He had been battling prostrate cancer since 2018, although he only publicly disclosed this earlier this year.
As a waiter in the coffee house Central Perk, Gunther became one of the most iconic supporting characters in TV history. With his bright hair and exasperated facial expressions, he stood out even in the background.
It’s tremendously difficult to be a secondary character in a series, given sporadic lines, but it’s testament to Michael Tyler’s talent that he made Gunther into a genuine fan favourite.
He was a welcome arrival in any episode, whether pining for Rachel’s attention or bringing Ross down a peg or two.
And he seemed to really appreciate the fame and success Friends had afforded him too, repaying it by regularly speaking to the press and appearing for signing sessions around the world.
So grab a mug of coffee and remember his wonderful performance in Friends with 7 of the finest moments of Gunther.
For more on this topic, follow the Film & TV Observer.
Enjoying a cigarette
If you’ve ever been a smoker, given up, and indulged in a sneaky wee rollup later, you’ll relate to Gunther in this hilarious scene. After telling Chandler he can’t smoke inside Central Perk, Chandler gives him a drag from one of his cigarettes, which Gunther, um, certainly seems to enjoy.
“Oh dark mother, once again I suckle at your smoky teet,” he exclaims after exhaling. “Why don’t you hold onto that one,” is Chandler’s wise response.
‘Dropping a cup’
Gunther was famously jealous of Ross for his relationship with Rachel, his one true love. He also, understandably, got jealous of any other man who grew close to her. After Mark declares his infatuation with Rachel in the coffee house, Gunther removes himself from the main area: seconds later, there’s an almighty chorus of crashing sounds.
Gunther returns to a bemused coffee house, saying simply, “I dropped a cup.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tTZwyQJiavc
Asking Phoebe’s date to cover up
Gunther wasn’t just a poor sod with google eyes for Rachel; he also had a few absolute takedowns in his repertoire, particularly when it came to Ross. When Phoebe’s boyfriend Robert refused to wear underwear under his gym shorts, the gang spent an entire episode trying to work out how to confront Robert appropriately.
Step forward, Gunther: “Hey, buddy. This is a family place. Put the mouse back in the house.” That’s how you do it.
Is it a bird? Is it a cat?
Gunther’s passion for Rachel often went too far, like when he decided to buy her Sphynx cat, a rare breed of cat that lacks a coat. He pays a ridiculous $1500 for Mrs. Whiskerson, meaning Rachel actually made a profit on the weird-looking pet. Gunther clearly isn’t enamoured with the cat, asking Ross if it’s a snake.
Revelling in Ross’ pain
You say it best when you say nothing at all. Gunther drew huge laughs with just a look after Ross accidentally punches a pole in Central Perk when he was actually aiming for Joey. Gunther’s reaction behind him is priceless; no words, just a beaming smile, perfectly conveying his dislike for the palaeontologist.
Speaking Dutch
Gunther wasn’t just a coffee house server and was clearly quite a man of the world. When a smug Ross tries to impress Gunther with his knowledge of Dutch, the waiter fires back in perfect Dutch to Ross’ dismay. Gunther then insults Ross in Dutch, leading to him frantically searching his language book for what was just said.
Where did Gunther learn Dutch? Why did he learn Dutch? What an international man of mystery.
Final moment with Rachel
After 10 seasons of unrequited love, the writers gave Gunther and Rachel a well-deserved sweet goodbye as she took off for Paris. Gunther finally tells her that he loves her in the series finale, clearly impacting Rachel.
“I love you too, probably not in the same way,” she replies nicely, before telling Gunther that she’ll think of men whenever she goes to a cafe in Paris or sees “a man with hair brighter than the sun.” You’d have never found a waiter as good as him in France, Rachel.
