The Friends cast has spoken about the show’s lack of diversity and inclusivity in the past, with one of the cast members saying they would have “thought it through” more if they knew.
Aisha Tyler, recognized for her role in the legendary sitcom Friends, has shared her experiences as one of the few black cast members on the show.
The 53-year-old Hollywood actress, who was the only black actress to have a recurring role on the show, made her first appearance in season nine in 2003.
She portrayed Charlie Wheeler, Ross Geller’s paleontology professor girlfriend, a character played by David Schwimmer.Before ending up with Ross, she went on a few dates with Joey Tribbiani, famously played by Matt LeBlanc.
Tyler acknowledged that the predominantly white cast was a topic of discussion at the time.
She stated: “It wasn’t like it was just something that people looked back at later and said, Wait a minute.
“No, at the time, people talked quite a bit about the fact that, for a show that was set in the heart of Manhattan, it really lacked diversity.”
She further told the Independent: “But we didn’t have social media back then, so it wasn’t the large-scale conversation that it became later.”
Adam Goldberg, also 53, shared his experiences from his brief stint on Friends, where he played Joey’s roommate Eddie for three episodes in season two.
Tyler revealed that she knew Schwimmer, who also co-directed the show, was pushing for more diversity.
She also reflected fondly on the friendships she made on the set, including the one she had with the late Matthew Perry, who played the charming Chandler Bing.
Friends has faced criticism for being non-inclusive, racist, and homophobic.
Jennifer Aniston, famed for her role as Rachel Green in the beloved sitcom Friends, recently commented to Entertainment Weekly: “There’s a whole generation of people, kids, who are now going back to episodes of Friends and find them offensive.
“We should have thought it through, but I don’t think there was a sensitivity like there is now.”Moreover, in light of diversity issues in Hollywood, Tyler disclosed that she was once turned down for a part because they had already cast a black character.
Despite acknowledging significant progress in the industry, she continues to urge more women, people of color, and members of other marginalized groups to engage in storytelling from behind the camera.
The revelation follows the shock of Friends enthusiasts learning that Jennifer Aniston dated a co-star, Tate Donovan, for two years a fact some are only coming to grips with recently.
