September 16th 2024.
For ten years, from 1994 to 2004, the beloved sitcom Friends graced our TV screens, capturing the hearts of viewers with its hilarious and heartwarming storylines. Even now, years after its final episode aired, the show still has a dedicated following. However, one of its stars, actress Aisha Tyler, recently revealed that behind the scenes, there were challenges when it came to diversity in the show's cast.
Aisha joined the cast in its ninth season, playing the role of Charlie Wheeler, a love interest for both Ross and Joey. In an interview with The Independent, she shared that the show's creators, particularly David, who eventually became a director, pushed for more diversity in the cast. This was a welcome change, as the show had received criticism for its lack of representation in a city as diverse as New York.
Before Aisha's character was introduced, there was a prevailing belief in the industry that only white stories would sell. Aisha explained that this was a long-standing attitude in Hollywood, but one that has been proven wrong time and time again. However, this belief still persists, with industry bosses claiming that audiences won't watch shows with Black characters or that networks with one Black show won't develop another.
Despite these challenges, Aisha was grateful for the opportunity to play a character like Charlie, who was smart, sexy, and happened to be Black. She appreciated that the show didn't try to change its essence to fit her character, but rather, incorporated her naturally into the existing storyline.
Aisha's time on Friends may have been short, with only nine episodes, but her character became a fan favorite, present for some of the show's most iconic moments, including the love triangle between Ross, Joey, and Rachel. After leaving Friends, Aisha went on to star in other popular shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, 24, Archer, and Criminal Minds. She also hosted the daytime talk show, The Talk.
Away from the spotlight, Aisha was married to Jeff Tjetiens for 25 years before their separation in 2015 and eventual divorce in 2017. Despite the challenges she faced in the industry, Aisha remains grateful for her time on Friends and the opportunities it opened up for her.
If you're feeling nostalgic for the good old days of Friends, you can catch it on Netflix. And if you have a celebrity story, video, or pictures, don't hesitate to reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency. They'd love to hear from you.
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