Little-Known Details About the Hit Show Friends

The Role of Gunther Was Given to a Real-Life Barista

There isn't a more famous TV barista than Gunther from Central Perk, played by James Michael Tyler. From his peroxide blonde tuft of hair to his robotic demeanor, Tyler truly made the role his own and became a beloved supporting character. What you may not have realized is that Tyler wasn't just pretending to be a coffee maker - he was actually a real-life barista when he wasn't on set. In 2018, Tyler gave thanks to his coffee-making skills, stating "That was a happy accident and I'm very, very grateful to have had that skill."