The Independent Singapore News Friends TV star, James Michael Tyler diagnosed with prostate cancer, no longer able to walk If there was a second chance, he would listen to his wife earlier to prevent his cancer from spreading. Photo: Google Screengrab - Advertisement - LOS ANGELES – Friends actor James Michael Tyler, best known for playing Central Perk cafe’s manager Gunther, revealed that he has stage 4 prostate cancer and is now unable to walk. The 59-year-old actor who had featured in all the ten seasons of a fortunate comedy series from 1994 to 2004, came to NBC’s Today show on Monday, Jun 21 looking completely unrecognisable.