‘Friends’ Actor Recalls ‘Toxic Environment’ While Working on Hit Sitcom, Citing Racist Name Calling: ‘Nobody Felt the Need to Correct This or Say Anything About It’

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Although “Friends” continues to be one of the most cherished sitcoms ever made, Stephen Park, who featured in episodes like “The One with the Chicken Pox” (Season 2) and “The One with the Ultimate Fighting Champion” (Season 3), doesn’t look back on his time there with much affection.

Speaking recently on the “Pod Meets World” podcast, I shared my feelings about that time period, describing it as somewhat toxic. James Hong, an actor who appeared in the same episode with me, was often being summoned to set, and overhearing the assistant director shout, ‘Where’s the Oriental guy? Get the Oriental guy,’ left a bitter taste.

He went on to explain, “This incident isn’t a unique occurrence, you understand, but such occurrences were considered ‘normal business’ in Hollywood back in 1997, I presume. And there was no one who felt compelled to intervene or speak up about it. So, this kind of behavior was accepted as the norm.

As a passionate enthusiast, I shared my perspective about a recent event with the Screen Actors Guild, hoping for guidance. The representative I spoke with suggested I pen an article and submit it to the L.A. Times. Eagerly, I crafted a heartfelt “mission statement” and forwarded it to the publication. To my anticipation, they dispatched a couple of reporters to engage in an interview with me. However, despite their visit, my thoughts were never published as intended.

Eventually, Park shared his message with everyone on his mailing list, making it accessible to all through internet archives. In his own words, the renowned “Mickey 17” actor stated that this letter gained widespread attention long before the term ‘viral’ became popular.

Park admitted that he had become extremely sensitive to racial issues and filled with anger. He felt trapped and couldn’t find any freedom. Consequently, he made the spontaneous decision to leave everything behind and stop acting altogether, announcing his decision to everyone.

Eventually, Park resumed his acting career after a gradual re-entry into the industry. Post his stint on “Friends,” he was seen in shows like “Boy Meets World,” “Law & Order,” “The Venture Bros.” and “Mad About You” during the subsequent years.

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2025-03-06 10:17