Funnily enough, James Michael Tyler was a real-life barista when he booked his iconic barista role on “Friends.” In a 2014 interview with BuzzFeed News, Tyler detailed his experience working behind the coffee counter. He said, “I had a job at a coffee shop called The Bourgeois Pig in Hollywood, which is still around and one of the last independent coffee shops that hasn’t been taken over or whatnot. I was one of their first baristas — I think I started there in 1990 or so.” Tyler shared that he continued to work at the spot for the series’ first four seasons, as he was uncertain if he’d keep appearing on “Friends.” As Tyler spent more time on set, he dropped his real-life barista job.
The purpose of Tyler’s character Gunther was to make Central Perk look “authentic.” However, the “Friends” actor revealed that he didn’t make a single coffee once! He added that craft service was responsible for preparing the lead actors various coffee beverages.
Tyler also talked to Digital Spy about his espresso-making skills. He said, “You know, I honestly always thought my Masters in fine arts would get me further in the acting world than knowing how to work an espresso machine! That was a happy accident and I’m very, very grateful to have had that skill.” Yet, the skill wasn’t too applicable for the actor’s actual life, as Tyler revealed he rarely drinks coffee.
