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James Michael Tyler (2015)
Photo: Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic / Getty Images
James Michael Tyler made a clear appeal to all men in June: When you next visit your doctor, have a so-called PSA test for signs of prostate cancer.
The actor himself had only been diagnosed with the disease at an advanced stage.
Now Tyler has died at the age of 59, as reported by the BBC, among others.
As his manager announced, he died peacefully in his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning (local time).
"Anyone who met him once made a friend for life," the message said.
"He leaves behind his wife, the love of his life."
The actor was best known for his role as waiter Gunther in the hit series "Friends".
His sarcastic comments and unsuccessful advances towards the main character Rachel had given him a certain cult following among the show's fan base.
Tyler only had a short video link to a "Friends" special in May.
He said afterwards that he didn't spoil the mood, but still wanted to be there.
In June he spoke publicly about his illness, which in the end had also spread to his bones.
“I've had this diagnosis to deal with for almost three years.
It is now in its final stages.
It'll probably get me at some point, ”Tyler said on the US talk show“ Today ”.
Urgent call for PSA testing
According to Tyler, the cause of its severe course is also that the disease apparently initially went unnoticed.
The prostate cancer was discovered in him through a routine examination of abnormal blood values.
Because of his difficult situation, Tyler wanted to make other men aware of the subject.
"There are other options if you discover it earlier than I do," said the actor.
"The next time you go to the doctor for a normal examination, ask your doctors for a PSA test (blood test for the prostate-specific antigen,
editor's note
)." If the cancer has already spread as in his case, it is much more difficult to deal with.
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