Lisa Kudrow still earns $20M a year in residuals from 'Friends' more than 30 years after show premiered
Key Points:
- Lisa Kudrow revealed that she and the "Friends" cast continue to earn $20 million annually in residuals from the show, which first aired in 1994 and became an immediate hit.
- Despite her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay, Kudrow admitted she had never fully watched the series until after co-star Matthew Perry's death in 2023, when she gained a new appreciation for the show's humor and cast performances.
- Kudrow praised Perry's unique comedic talent, describing him as "uniquely hilarious" and recalling the cast's frequent laughter during filming.
- She reflected on how "Friends" captured a sense of innocence from a pre-digital era, though behind the scenes the environment was intense, with pressure from writers and candid discussions among the cast.
- The show aired for 10 seasons on NBC, concluding in 2004 with its finale attracting over 52 million viewers.