The lack of cultural diversity was one of the few setbacks of the classic series, ‘Friends‘. Many artists as well as fans have raised concerns about this deficit of the show on multiple occasions. The cast of ‘Friends’ has also commented on the lack of representation of people of color and ethnicity.
David Schwimmer insisted on his character, Ross Geller, dating a woman of color in the show. Lisa Kudrow also talked about how if ‘Friends’ were to be created today, it would have a more diverse cast. Writer, Marta Kauffman also confessed that she felt “embarrassed” about the diversity deficit. Now, Adam Goldberg, who played Chandler Bing‘s rebound roommate, Eddie voiced his views on the issue on the show’s 30th anniversary. The actor claimed that the diversity deficit was “insane” in the NBC series.
“It Was Just The Norm”: Adam Goldberg On The Small Ethnicity Pool In ‘Friends’
If we observe the backgrounds of the characters in ‘Friends’, only Joey Tribbiani is an Italian among the other five white Americans. Adam Goldberg talking with The Independent, revealed his disappointment with the classic television show in representing people of different ethnicities and colors. “In terms of diversity, looking back, it seems insane,” he stated.
He continued, “I’ve heard Black people speak about this and it’s like, you never expected to see yourself, so when you didn’t, it was not a surprise, and you ended up identifying to characters, irrespective of their race. It was just the norm that there was such a lack of diversity.”
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Adam played the character of Chandler’s eccentric roommate, Eddie. In the early episodes of season two, Joey decided to move into his apartment. However, both friends miss each other’s company. Like any other broken couple, Chandler decided to move on with a rebound roommate, Eddie. Although his time on the show was short-lived, Goldberg’s contribution to the show became memorable.
“I Was A Snob”: Adam Goldberg Reveals He Almost Turned Down Eddie’s Role
Adam Goldberg revealed that he almost turned down the ‘Friends’ gig because he was a “snob” about the viral series. He recalled, “I remember very specifically getting the call from my agent and them saying they were offering me this part, and that it started maybe two days later – everything’s always very fast in that world because you’re shooting an episode a week.”
“And I was like, “No way. I’m not doing that show.” And my agent was like, “Yes, you are,” Adam concluded. Looking back Goldberg is grateful to be a part of the ‘Friends’ legacy.
In case you missed it: When Chandler Bing Predicted He Would Be The First To Die Among The ‘Friends’ Group
He also recalled his experience working with the late actor, Matthew Perry, “When you’re working with somebody like Matt, who has such great comedy chops, your game just gets elevated…I remember just joking around a lot, having a lot of really quick repartee.”
