Stephen Park opens up about racism and toxicity on the set of Friends

Frustrated and disheartened, Park considered leaving the industry altogether. “I had become so race-conscious and so angry that I was looking at everything through the lens of race. I felt like there was no freedom. I didn’t feel any freedom. So, I didn’t have any idea what I was going to do, but I just decided to drop out. I told everybody, ‘I’m not acting anymore’,” he admitted.

Despite this setback, Park’s passion for the industry ultimately led him to return to acting after a period of introspection. However, his career would take a slower, more deliberate pace. Over time, he went on to land notable roles in Boy Meets World, Law & Order, The Venture Bros., and Mad About You, among others. More recently, Park appeared in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City and is set to star in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17.