James Michael Tyler’s most memorable moments as ‘Gunther’ in ‘Friends’
James Michael Tyler (59), the actor known widely for his recurring role as Gunther on "Friends", died yesterday from prostate cancer.
Gunther's character had the most appearances in "Friends" after the main six starring roles -- in 185 episodes. In early seasons, he was mostly seen in the background and not credited with much dialogues after he joined the show because he knew how to operate a coffee machine, reports BBC.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Over time, however, he gained prominence and became a much loved character, especially for his terrific one-liners.
Here are some of the most memorable moments of the role the actor played in the mega-popular TV show.
HIS OBSESSION WITH RACHEL
The character Gunther is probably most remembered for his obsession with Rachel, the role played by Jennifer Aniston. Sometimes, he expressed his love for Rachel with his inner monologues.
In one episode, Rachel was listening to Ross's dinosaur stories when Gunther thinks to himself, "What does Rachel see in this guy? I love Rachel, I wish she was my wife."
In the episode where Joshua declined Rachel's marriage proposal, Gunther yelled, "You idiot!"
In another episode, Rachel was elated after completing a crossword and was looking for someone to hug, when Gunther wanted to seize the opportunity and dived towards her in a great moment of comedy, and ended up crashing to the floor.
CONFESSING HIS LOVE TO RACHEL, FINALLY…
Towards the end of the show, Gunther's role probably saw the best moment with Rachel when he finally found enough courage to confess his love for her, before she was to leave for Paris.
"I know you're leaving tonight, but I just have to tell you. I love you. I... I don't know if that changes your plans at all? But I thought you should know," Gunther said.
An emotional Rachel replied: "Gunther. Oh, I love you too. Probably not in the same way, but I do. And when I'm in a café, having coffee, or I see a man with hair brighter than the sun, I'll think of you."
FOUR BUCKS AN HOUR SAVED OVER 350 YEARS…
Some of Gunther's one-liners were full of subtle sarcasm.
In one episode, Joey found a set of keys for a Porsche in Central Perk and asked Gunther if those were his.
"Yes, that's what I drive. I make four bucks an hour. I saved up for 350 years." Gunther snapped.
"I DROPPED A CUP!"
In one episode in Season 3 the character was seen having lost control in a fit of rage when he found another man trying to make a move on Rachel.
Furious, Gunther walks off the camera to head to the store room of the coffee house, and a loud crash of a large amount of glass and crockery being smashed was heard.
Moments later, Gunther reappeared before the customers, everyone stunned wondering what happened inside, and Gunther says, "I dropped a cup!" in a seemingly unconvincing manner.
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