Gunther (played by James Michael Tyler) was the guest star who racked up the most guest appearances over the 10 season run of Friends on NBC. Only the main cast of six - Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer - had more air time.
However, just because Gunther appeared the most out of any secondary character, doesn't mean fans know that much about him. The famed manager of Central Perk had very recognizable hair and a consistent job, but questions remain about the bleached barista, and here are a few of the most pressing.
Why Does He Love Rachel?
Jennifer Aniston was one of the "it" girls of the 90s. She was beautiful, had signature hair, and certainly, as Rachel on Friends, had a winning personality. But, besides her good looks, it was never clear exactly what Gunther loved about Rachel.
Gunther's lovelorn obsession was one of his constants, a defining characteristic of the Central Perk manager, but why his obsession started or what he loved about Rachel beyond her perfect hair was never explained or expanded upon.
Did He Ever Tell Rachel How He Felt?
It was clear to every Friends fan, and even most casual viewers, that Gunther was desperately in love with Rachel Green. But did Gunther ever express his feelings with more than just long glances and a very clear hate for her on-again-off-again beau, Ross Geller?
While no one ever thought Gunther and Rachel had a real future, one has to wonder if he ever let his feelings slip through words, rather than the glances, forgiveness, and very clear pining.
Does He Still Have Rachel's Cat?
In season five the episode, "The One With the Ball," sees Rachel buy a very ugly, but very expensive bald cat. When the cat's behavior becomes problematic and Rachel can't see herself caring for it or keeping it, Gunther saves the day by taking the cat off her hands.
It's obvious he only wants the animal because it once belonged to Rachel, but it's never clear if its behavior improves, which this leads one to wonder if Gunther actually kept, or even still has Rachel's bald cat.
Does He Get Another Job?
When Friends came to an end with its 10th season, fans got to watch their favorite group of six grow up and move on. Rachel and Ross were together. Monica and Chandler had twins and were moving out of the city. But what about Gunther?
Did he move on like the main six? Did he find another job and another life after the show came to a close? Or is he still managing Central Perk and waiting for Rachel to return one day? Gunther deserves more, so many fans hope he moved on.
Why Didn't He Hire Better Employees?
Fans could almost write-off Gunther's hiring of Rachel because of his infatuation with her. However, he also gives Joey a chance as a waiter. Central Perk is always busy (even if the friends are always able to get their favorite spot on the orange couch) and this implies that service needed to be swift and on point.
But Rachel and Joey were not great examples of spectacular employees and it was shocking that the coffee house didn't have more angry customers.
Did Central Perk Stay Open?
Even if Gunther never moved on, like the main cast of Friends, one has to wonder if Central Perk stayed open after the six moved away. Again, Central Perk always seemed to be full, but half of those patrons were Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Chandler, Joey, and Ross, taking up the good seats on the orange couch.
Without his best customers, was Gunther able to keep Central Perk open and profitable in the ever-competitive New York City?
Did Gunther Find Love?
It's clear that Gunther and Rachel were never meant to be and never ended up together, but did Gunther get over her? Was he able to move on with his life? Did he find another love interest who appreciated him and reciprocated his feelings?
Even if he never left his job as manager at Central Perk, even if the coffee house was able to stay open, did he find success with a romantic partner? Gunther, just like the friends themselves, deserved to be happy.
Where Does Gunther Live?
Gunther may very well have lived behind, or even in, Central Perk. It's where he spent most of his life on the show, but where he lived was never officially confirmed.
Terry, the actual owner of Central Perk, may not have looked too fondly on an employee squatting in his Manhattan coffee shop, but he may not have known. Maybe Gunther didn't live anywhere near Central Perk, but this is never made clear.
What Does His Hair Look Like?
Gunther always sported his bleach-blond locks, from season one to season 10. But what did Gunther's natural hair look like? Fans and characters were left to wonder for all eternity, as the show never offered an answer.
The mystery continues and no answer seems to ever be forthcoming.
What Is His Last Name?
It wasn't just fans, but the main cast itself that were confused by this mystery. Chandler is unable to guess Gunther's last name, stating that it must be "Central Perk". Like Chandler, fans are also left in the dark. Gunther is never listed with a last name and it is never used on the show in any of its 10 seasons.
Many years later, there have been no creators or writers that have come out to clear up the mystery. Gunther is, and has always been, just Gunther, manager of Central Perk.