‘Friends’ Star Reveals Jaw-Dropping Amount Cast Gets Paid in Residuals
The Daily Beast • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The cast of Friends continues to earn significant residual payments, with Lisa Kudrow revealing they make around $20 million annually from the show.
- During its original run, the cast's salary grew from $22,500 per episode to up to $1 million per episode at the peak of the series.
- Despite the financial success, the cast faced a challenging work environment, including pressure from demanding writers and a lawsuit filed by an assistant over inappropriate remarks, which was ultimately dismissed.
- The 2023 death of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, deeply affected the cast, prompting Kudrow to reflect on the show's impact and her appreciation for it.
- Since Friends ended, the main cast members have pursued successful careers in film and television, with Jennifer Aniston starring in The Morning Show and others taking on notable roles and hosting gigs.
