Tributes are still pouring in for James Michael Tyler, who starred as Gunther in the sitcom, Friends, after he died – He was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer in 2018. He appeared in almost 150 episodes of the comedy, which ran from 1994 to 2004, and remains a hugely popular character among fans.

His manager said the actor passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on Sunday morning. Friends stars including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Matt LeBlanc paid their individual tributes to the star, with Aniston saying: “The show wouldn’t have been the same without Tyler's performance as the Central Perk waiter.

"Thank you for the laughter you brought to the show and to all of our lives. You will be so missed."

Cox wrote: "The size of gratitude you brought into the room and showed every day on set is the size of the gratitude I hold for having known you.

"Rest In peace, James."

Meanwell, LeBlanc shared a photo of his character Joey chatting to Gunther in Central Perk. "We had a lot of laughs buddy," he posted. Other Friends stars, including Lisa Kudrow and David Schwimmer, still reeling following the news, also shared their feelings on social immediate after the news broke.

Born in Greenwood, in Mississippi, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2018, but did not publicly disclose his illness until June this year. Survived by his wife Carno, he died from the disease at his home in Los Angeles, aged 59.