As Friends celebrates its 30th anniversary, actress Aisha Tyler shared her experiences working on the iconic sitcom. Tyler, who played Charlie Wheeler, a paleontology professor and love interest of Ross, became the first Black actor to land a recurring role on the show.
Tyler recalled her time on set, praising the cast for their kindness and welcoming nature. She remembered being nervous during her early days, but Matthew Perry’s reassurance helped calm her nerves. Despite her initial anxiety, Tyler settled into the role, drawn to the show’s unique style and humor.
However, Tyler also addressed the elephant in the room – Friends’ lack of diversity. The show, set in New York City, one of the most diverse cities in the world, was criticized for its predominantly white cast. Tyler acknowledged that this lack of representation was a common topic of discussion even during the show’s original run.
The entertainment industry’s long-standing biases were also a contributing factor, according to Tyler. She explained that the prevailing attitude in Hollywood was that “only white stories sold.” Despite these challenges, Tyler praised David Schwimmer for advocating for more diversity within the show during its original run.
Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman has also acknowledged the show’s lack of diversity, expressing regret and embarrassment over the omission. Kauffman has since made efforts to support more inclusivity, pledging $4 million to Brandeis University’s African and African American studies department.
As Friends continues to be celebrated for its impact on popular culture, its lack of diversity remains a poignant reminder of the industry’s ongoing struggles with representation.
