Riccardo Simonetti
“Insanely proud” of appearing in the “Friends” special
Riccardo Simonetti at an event in February 2021
© imago images / Eibner
Riccardo Simonetti is “incredibly proud” of his brief guest appearance in the special “Friends: The Reunion”.
On May 27, the special “Friends: The Reunion” ran on US television. Jennifer Aniston (52), Courteney Cox (56), Lisa Kudrow (57), Matthew Perry (51), David Schwimmer (54) and Matt LeBlanc (53) returned to the original location of the iconic comedy. And many prominent guests also had their say. Among other things, entertainer Riccardo Simonetti (28). How it came about and how the 28-year-old managed not to reveal anything about it for over a year, he revealed in an interview with the news agency spot on news.
You made a small guest appearance in the “Friends” special. How did it come about and what does the performance mean to you?
Riccardo Simonetti: My management was contacted over a year ago when I was on vacation on Lake Garda. The producers who were planning the reunion apparently knew that I was a huge fan of the show. I was in London shortly before and toured the set of “Friends” and think that’s how they came across me. At first I couldn’t believe it, the request just sounded too surreal. But then we started planning a shoot in Berlin.
What reactions did you get to your performance?
Simonetti: I wasn’t allowed to say anything for over a year, but when I opened my cell phone on the day it was broadcast, I was hit by a flood of images, with news from all over the world. My fans were very happy to see me between Lady Gaga and Co. and sent me countless emotional reaction videos because they are such big fans of the show themselves. My appearance is small, but I’m incredibly proud to be part of this production as a German representative.
There are reports that in China you and other LGBTQ fans have been cut from the special. How did you find out about it and what do you think about it?
Simonetti: I find it so sad because that is exactly the reality we are in. The reunion of “Friends” should be fun and all of a sudden it’s a political issue. What happened in China is a good example of the systematic suppression of queer people. I would have been so happy to tell the Chinese community something about our community in an emphatic way, which logically also exists there. This kind of censorship makes me very sad – because it is a very clear reminder of how important it is to continue to educate and be visible.
How did you like the “Friends” reunion as a fan overall?
Simonetti: I lived through all emotions from start to finish – from tears of joy to sad moments. I wasn’t missing anything at all, I thought it was great. You noticed how great the actors harmonize with each other and still learned where the characters would be today. Compared to many other new editions, “Friends” has managed to maintain its myth while still giving the audience a good deal of nostalgia.
What is your favorite character and episode?
Simonetti: I love the episodes in which the characters lead alternative lives and ask themselves “what if”. I love all characters, but especially Rachel. I was always able to identify with her the most. As a little boy, I always wanted to marry her.
The stars agreed in the special, how do you see it: “Were they on a break?”
Simonetti: Phew, you can argue about that. Yes, they were on a hiatus, but anyway, in my opinion, Ross could have waited before meeting other women. In the end it was enough anyway, luckily!