Lisa Kudrow reveals 'Friends' cast's surprising earnings years later

Lisa Kudrow revealed that the "Friends" cast still earns around $20 million annually in residuals, despite the show's conclusion over 20 years ago. She shared these insights during an interview with the Times of London.

Reflecting on "Friends"

Kudrow, known for her role as Phoebe Buffay, discussed rewatching "Friends" after the passing of her co-star Matthew Perry in 2023. She expressed newfound appreciation for the show, highlighting its genius and excellence.

Although she felt satisfied with her portrayal of Phoebe, Kudrow praised her fellow actors Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc for their performances.

Behind the Scenes Challenges

Kudrow acknowledged a certain innocence depicted in "Friends" but mentioned behind-the-scenes challenges, including disagreements with writers. Despite strong personal friendships among cast members and rising salaries from $22,500 to $1 million per episode, tensions occasionally surfaced.

She mentioned harsh criticism from writers when lines were not delivered as intended during live recordings before an audience of 400 people.

Controversy and Harassment Allegations

Kudrow recalled alleged inappropriate remarks made by male writers about co-stars Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox. This led to assistant Amaani Lyle filing a sexual harassment lawsuit against Warner Bros. Television in 2004, though the case was lost.

Despite any issues, Kudrow remains proud of "Friends," describing it as incredible work even years after its finale, noting that many contemporary shows lack its humor and impact.