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.
А lоt оf реорlе hаd а сrush оn hеr in thе 1980s, but lооk аt hеr nоw…
Following her role in “Crocodile Dundee,” Linda Kozlowski gained international recognition. Co-starring alongside Paul Hogan, the film marked a significant turning point in her career. However, after the “Dundee” series and a few other appearances, Kozlowski gradually stepped away from the Hollywood limelight.
Born on January 7, 1958, in Fairfield, Connecticut, Linda Kozlowski pursued her passion for acting by enrolling in the renowned theater program at the Juilliard School. After completing her degree in 1981, she made her debut in various off-Broadway productions. Eventually, she transitioned to minor roles on Broadway and television, including the television movie “Death of a Salesman,” where she acted alongside Dustin Hoffman.
Linda’s journey to stardom had its challenges. She moved to California after working as a waitress following her role in “Death of a Salesman.” During this time, Dustin Hoffman, who had become her mentor, and his wife offered her a place to stay in their Malibu beach house. It was from there that Linda embarked on an audition that would change her life forever.
Dustin Hoffman recommended Linda for the role of Sue Charlton in “Crocodile Dundee,” a role she auditioned for successfully. The film’s success was monumental, grossing over $320 million on a $10 million budget, making Linda Kozlowski a star virtually overnight. Interestingly, her fame was more pronounced in Australia initially due to the film’s early release there.
Despite her newfound stardom, Linda didn’t feel she received the attention she deserved in Hollywood. She continued to act in the “Crocodile Dundee” sequels but turned down many offers for roles that typecast her as the girlfriend of a comic actor. Linda decided to step away from acting altogether after the third “Dundee” film.
In her personal life, Linda Kozlowski found love with her co-star Paul Hogan during the “Crocodile Dundee” series. They got married in 1990 and had a son named Chance in 1998. However, their marriage ended in 2014.
Following her divorce from Paul Hogan, Linda Kozlowski chose to live life on her own terms. She received a substantial settlement and decided to shift her focus. Her attention turned to Morocco, where she met Moulay Hafid Baba, a native tour guide. Their connection was immediate, leading to a significant life change.
Together, Linda and Moulay Hafid Baba established the luxury travel agency Dream My Destiny in Marrakech. They create unique travel itineraries tailored to their clients’ preferences. Linda’s life had transitioned from Hollywood to the enchanting landscapes of Morocco.
While Linda Kozlowski may have stepped away from the acting world, her legacy as Sue Charlton in “Crocodile Dundee” lives on. At 63 years old, she has chosen to embrace her adventurous and fulfilling life in Morocco. She finds real life more rewarding than fiction, focusing on her role in the travel industry, where her intuition, honed during her acting career, plays a vital role in creating memorable experiences for others.
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