Adam Goldberg says Lack of Diversity on "Friends" was "Insane" - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 09-09-2024, 06:46 PM

Adam Goldberg says Diversity Deficit in "Friends" was “Insane” after his Memorable Role as Chandler’s Rebound Roommate Eddie
by Jake Kanter
September 9, 2024

Adam Goldberg has revealed that he is proud to be a part of "Friends‘" enduring legacy, but thinks the show’s lack of diversity is “insane” by modern standards.

Goldberg appeared as Eddie, Chandler’s rebound roommate after Joey moved into his own apartment, in three episodes of "Friends’" second season in 1996.

The actor was asked by The Independent about the NBC comedy’s lack of representation of people of color.

“In terms of diversity, looking back, it seems insane,” Goldberg said. “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.”

Goldberg added that he has previously complained about Italians being able to play Jewish characters and bemoaned feedback in which he has been described as not “all-American” enough.

“The entire culture was like that, and television was just an amplification of that culture,” he said.

Goldberg revealed that he nearly turned down the "Friends" role alongside Matthew Perry because he was a “snob” about the series.

“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.'”

He reflected fondly on performing scenes with Perry. “When you’re working with somebody like Matt, who has such great comedy chops, your game just gets elevated,” he said. “I remember just joking around a lot, having a lot of really quick repartee.”

Goldberg continued: “I’m so happy to be part of the show’s legacy. I love it. I think about all those guys, and how incredible someone like Jennifer Aniston is, who’s managed to have this really pretty expansive career. And it’s really remarkable, because I think it must be very, very, very hard to have been part of something that was so insanely popular and not solely be identified by it.”

https://deadline.com/2024/09/adam-go...ie-1236082228/

09-09-2024, 06:46 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,127	Adam Goldberg says Lack of Diversity on "Friends" was "Insane" *Adam Goldberg says Diversity Deficit in "Friends" was “Insane” after his Memorable Role as Chandler’s Rebound Roommate Eddie* by Jake Kanter September 9, 2024 Adam Goldberg has revealed that he is proud to be a part of "Friends‘" enduring legacy, but thinks the show’s lack of diversity is “insane” by modern standards. Goldberg appeared as Eddie, Chandler’s rebound roommate after Joey moved into his own apartment, in three episodes of "Friends’" second season in 1996. The actor was asked by The Independent about the NBC comedy’s lack of representation of people of color. “In terms of diversity, looking back, it seems insane,” Goldberg said. “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.” Goldberg added that he has previously complained about Italians being able to play Jewish characters and bemoaned feedback in which he has been described as not “all-American” enough. “The entire culture was like that, and television was just an amplification of that culture,” he said. Goldberg revealed that he nearly turned down the "Friends" role alongside Matthew Perry because he was a “snob” about the series. “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.'” He reflected fondly on performing scenes with Perry. “When you’re working with somebody like Matt, who has such great comedy chops, your game just gets elevated,” he said. “I remember just joking around a lot, having a lot of really quick repartee.” Goldberg continued: “I’m so happy to be part of the show’s legacy. I love it. I think about all those guys, and how incredible someone like Jennifer Aniston is, who’s managed to have this really pretty expansive career. And it’s really remarkable, because I think it must be very, very, very hard to have been part of something that was so insanely popular and not solely be identified by it.” https://deadline.com/2024/09/adam-go...ie-1236082228/ Attached Images