James Michael Tyler, actor who played Gunther, the worker in charge of the coffee Central Perk in the iconic series Friends, surprised after revealing that he is battling stage 4 prostate cancer.
In a recent interview with Today Show from NBC, the American actor revealed that he was diagnosed with the disease in 2018.
“I have been dealing with that diagnosis for almost the last three years … It is stage 4, late stage cancer. So eventually, you know, it will probably affect me, “James recounted.
Following his diagnosis, 59-year-old Tyler said he underwent hormone therapy for a year and it “worked amazingly for him.”
However, during the pandemic cancer progressed and spread, affecting his spine, which caused the paralysis of his lower body.
Right now, the actor is receiving chemotherapy. He also advised men to get regular tests to detect the disease early.
Actor James Michael Tyler (@slate_michael) played Gunther on “Friends” for 10 years, but he was unable to attend the recent cast reunion in person because he’s been battling a serious health issue. Now he’s sharing his news for the first time with @craigmelvin. pic.twitter.com/272tg4Sbvc
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 21, 2021
“There are other options available to men if they catch it before me. The next time you go alone for a basic exam or your annual checkup, ask your doctor for a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, “he commented on the American program.
“It is easily detectable. If it spreads beyond the prostate to the bones, which is more common in my (type of cancer), it can be much more difficult to treat, “he said.
“Many men, if caught early, it is easily treatable. I don’t want people to have to go through what I’ve been through. This is not … an easy process, “he said.
The remembered Gunther He confessed that the disease has made him value his life more.
“It has made me, personally, realize how important each moment is, every day. And fight. Don’t give up. Keep fighting. Stay as light as possible. And have goals. Set goals,” he said.
“My goal is at least to save a life”
During the most recent meeting of Friends, the actor made a guest appearance via Zoom. As he explained, the original plan was to physically appear alongside the rest of the actors. However, his health did not allow it, although he was still part of the special.
Additionally, James Michael Tyler revealed that he has been in constant communication with David Schwimmer, who played Ross in Friends.
Likewise, the producers of the series have known for some time about his condition and the seriousness of his diagnosis.
The actor concluded with an emotional call to people to carry out the corresponding tests and make sure before it is too late. “My goal this past year was to reach my 59th birthday. I made it. Now my goal is to at least save one life.”he confessed.
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