Actor James Michael Tyler, known for his role as Gunther on 'Friends,' has passed away at 59 from prostate cancer

• James Michael Tyler was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018 and became a cancer-awareness advocate.
• On Sunday, Tyler died at the age of 59.

Actor James Michael Tyler, best known for his role as Gunther on hit American sitcom "Friends," passed away Sunday from prostate cancer at age 59, the Associated Press reported.

"The world knew him as Gunther (the seventh 'Friend'), from the hit series 'Friends,' but Michael's loved ones knew him as an actor, musician, cancer-awareness advocate, and loving husband," Toni Benson, Tyler's manager, wrote in a statement provided to AP. "Michael loved live music, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and would often find himself in fun and unplanned adventures."

After his cancer diagnosis in 2018, Tyler became a cancer-awareness advocate, the Associated Press reported. Tyler also appeared in several other films and TV shows, including "Sabrina the Teenage Witch," "Just Shoot Me!" and "Scrubs," according to his IMDb page.

Born in Mississippi, Tyler lived in South Carolina and Georgia before moving to California, where he was hired as a production assistant in Hollywood and ultimately landed his role on "Friends" in 1994, according to his self-written IMDb biography.

Tyler is survived by his wife, Jennifer Carno.

A statement from Warner Bros. Television said it "mourns the loss of James Michael Tyler, a beloved actor and integral part of our 'Friends' family. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues, and fans."