The conversation around diversity has been intensifying lately, making everyone think about its importance in all areas of life. One recent topic of discussion? The iconic 90s sitcom Friends.
Quinta Brunson, known for her role in Abbott Elementary, recently pointed out Friends for its lack of diversity. While hosting Saturday Night Live, Brunson used her monologue to highlight the absence of Black characters in the beloved show.
Brunson contrasted the diversity on Abbott Elementary, which features the lives of teachers in a predominantly Black, state-funded elementary school in Philadelphia, with the noticeable lack of diversity on Friends. The difference was strikingly evident.
With her well-known wit, she joked: “I wanted to be on SNL back in the day, but the audition process seemed long – so instead, I just created my own TV show, made sure it became really popular, won a bunch of Emmys, and then got asked to host. So much easier, so much easier.”
While the audience chuckled, the underlying point was clear. Brunson continued, “It’s a network sitcom like, say, Friends. Except, instead of being about a group of friends, it’s about a group of teachers. Instead of New York, it’s in Philadelphia, and instead of not having Black people, it does.”
Her playful commentary sparked serious reflection, even from Friends co-creator Marta Kauffman. Kauffman has publicly expressed embarrassment over the show’s lack of diversity and pledged $4 million to support African and African-American studies at a university.
“I’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years,” Kauffman admitted. “Admitting and accepting guilt is not easy. It’s painful looking at yourself in the mirror. I’m embarrassed that I didn’t know better 25 years ago.”
She added, “It took me a long time to begin to understand how I internalized systemic racism. I’ve been working really hard to become an ally, an anti-racist. And this seemed to me to be a way that I could participate in the conversation from a white woman’s perspective.”
The discussion around diversity is far from over, but it’s clear that the conversation has advanced—even for a cherished sitcom like Friends.
Sofia Vergara is in shock
Barry Peele, a longtime friend and real estate agent who passed away at the age of 61, was honored by Olivia Culpo.
The Griselda actress created a charming Instagram slideshow featuring images of the couple taken over the years.
She captioned the photo, writing, “@barrypeele [heart]U, my life will never be the same without you.”
Barry’s cause of death is still unknown.
Supporters of 51-year-old Sofia have been expressing their condolences for the real estate agent in comments.
online after his passing.
Christian stated, “It makes me very sad to tell you that our dear friend and colleague Barry Peele has passed away suddenly.”
“Barry was a devoted and knowledgeable representative of the company for an extended period. He will be known as a wonderful individual who loved to spend time with his closest friends—many of whom were also his clients—and who lived life to the fullest.
“A lot of you have worked directly beside him. He will undoubtedly be missed. Gary, I hope you’re at peace.
Barry initially gained notoriety in the real estate industry, but he was also a producer.
He worked on the film Rize (2005), which took home the Golden Kinnaree Award for Best Documentary.
In addition, he contributed to the 2008 film I Am Because We Are.
Leave a Reply