'Friends' alum Adam Goldberg calls out show's lack of diversity

Adam Goldberg, who portrayed Chandler's roommate Eddie in three episodes of 'Friends' in 1996, has publicly criticized the show for its significant lack of diversity. In an interview with The Independent, he reflected on how the show, which aired from 1994 to 2004, failed to represent the racial diversity of New York City. Goldberg noted that it was common for shows of that era to exhibit such shortcomings, and he expressed concern over the unrealistic portrayal of life in NYC, particularly regarding the characters' living situations. Goldberg also shared his experiences in the industry, highlighting the challenges faced by actors of different ethnic backgrounds. He pointed out the disparity in casting practices, where Italian actors often played Jewish roles, while Jewish actors rarely portrayed Italian characters. This reflects a broader cultural issue in Hollywood at the time, where diversity was not prioritized. In 2022, Marta Kauffman, co-creator of 'Friends,' expressed her regret over the show's lack of diversity, admitting to feelings of embarrassment and guilt. Following the murder of George Floyd, she made a significant donation to Brandeis University to support African and African American Studies, indicating a desire to address past mistakes and promote inclusivity. Lisa Kudrow, another cast member, echoed Kauffman's sentiments, stating that the creators were not equipped to tell stories about people of color. She emphasized that the show was largely based on their own experiences, which limited its representation of diverse narratives.