Friends Actor Stephen Park Recalls Racist Incident on Set
The 90s hit TV show Friends is known for its relatable characters, witty dialogue, and iconic Central Perk coffee shop. However, behind the scenes, not everything was as rosy as it seemed. In a recent interview, former Friends actor Stephen Park revealed that he faced blatant racism on set, an experience that left him feeling disillusioned and eventually led him to leave the acting industry.
Park, who played the role of Eric, a love interest for Courteney Cox’s character Monica Geller, spoke about the racist incident in an interview with a popular entertainment website. He recalled a particular moment when a crew member used a racial slur to refer to veteran actor James Hong, who was working on the show at the time. Park was devastated by the incident, feeling that the environment on set was “toxic” and that he was not being taken seriously.
“I was really upset by it,” Park said. “I felt like I was the only one who was affected by it, but I wasn’t. I was just the only one who was willing to speak up about it.”
Park sought support from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), the labor union that represents actors in the United States. However, he was met with dismissal and a lack of action. This left Park feeling frustrated and disillusioned with the industry.
“I was told that it was just a joke, that it was just a mistake,” Park said. “But it wasn’t a joke. It was a racist comment, and it was hurtful. And to be told that it was just a joke, that really hurt me.”
After the incident, Park began to feel like he was no longer welcome on the Friends set. He started to receive negative comments from some of the other actors and crew members, and he felt like he was being ostracized. Eventually, he decided to leave the show and the acting industry altogether.
“I didn’t want to be a part of something that was so toxic and so racist,” Park said. “I didn’t want to be a part of something that was making people feel uncomfortable and unsafe. So, I left.”
Park’s decision to leave the industry was a difficult one, but he felt like it was the only way to protect himself and maintain his own sense of self-worth. He went on to pursue other interests and passions, but he never lost his love for acting.
“I always loved acting,” Park said. “It’s something that I’ve always been passionate about. But I realized that I didn’t have to be part of the industry to be an actor. I could still act, still perform, still tell stories, but I didn’t have to be part of the toxic environment that was the TV and film industry.”
Years later, Park has returned to the screen, albeit in a different capacity. He has been working on various projects, including writing and directing his own material. He has also been using his platform to speak out against racism and discrimination in the industry.
“I’m not going to be silenced,” Park said. “I’m not going to be ignored. I’m going to keep speaking out, keep fighting against racism and discrimination, and keep using my platform to make a difference.”
Park’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for all actors, regardless of their race, gender, or background. It is also a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals who refuse to be silenced or ignored.
As we look back on the legacy of Friends, we must also acknowledge the darker side of its history. While the show may have brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers, it was not immune to the problems of racism and discrimination that plague our society.
However, by sharing his story, Park is hoping to inspire change and create a more inclusive and equitable industry. He is proof that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter future.
News Source: https://breezyscroll.com/entertainment/friends-actor-stephen-park-recalls-racist-incident-on-set/
