Lisa Kudrow Reveals How Much the ‘Friends’ Cast Earns in Royalties 20 Years Later

Lisa Kudrow has disclosed that the cast of ‘Friends’ continues to receive substantial annual payments from the beloved sitcom, even years after it concluded.

In a recent interview with the Times of London, published last Thursday, Kudrow revealed that she and her co-stars still earn approximately $20 million each year from residuals tied to the show’s enduring global popularity.

Kudrow, who is famously known for her role as Phoebe Buffay throughout all 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004, mentioned that she revisited the series after its conclusion. This reflection came following the passing of co-star Matthew Perry in 2023, who died at the age of 54.

She noted that rewatching the show altered her perspective. Rather than concentrating on her own performance, she was able to appreciate the series as a complete work. Kudrow described it as a unique creation, produced at a level she believes is unlikely to be replicated.

Kudrow also fondly spoke about her fellow cast members, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, and Matt LeBlanc. She praised their contributions to the show and highlighted Perry’s exceptional presence.

Additionally, Kudrow reflected on the atmosphere during filming. She mentioned that the show was recorded in front of a live audience, which added a layer of pressure to the production. She also acknowledged that there were moments of tension between actors and writers, particularly during extended recording sessions.

Kudrow stated that despite any challenging moments, she harbors no negative feelings about the experience. She considers ‘Friends’ a significant milestone in television history and maintains that it remains high-quality entertainment even today.

What are your thoughts on actors still earning millions from a show that wrapped up over 20 years ago? Feel free to share your opinions in the comments.