He may not have been one of the central characters of the show we all grew up watching, but Gunther had several of the six friends’ characteristics rolled into one, and to us, was one of the Friends.

Whether it was his hair that shone with the light of a million blazing suns, his huge crush on Rachel, his zany style and sometimes alternative beliefs, past his first few episodes, Gunther started standing out on his own.

James Michael Tyler’s comic timing was impeccable. He could say one line, unsmilingly, and have us all rofl. Really. He could dress most eccentrically, take the creepiest drag on a cigarette, or rage in private with the smashing of dishes, but he simply seemed to win it all.

James Michael Tyler was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, which he revealed this past summer. He may have just had a supporting character in an all-time favorite show, but he made a dent large enough in his audience’s hearts to completely break them with his departure.

Rest in peace, James Michael Tyler, and thank you for giving us Gunther.