Lisa Kudrow has shared some surprising financial details about the ongoing earnings of the Friends cast. The actress, who played Phoebe Buffay throughout the show’s run from 1994 to 2004, revealed in an interview that she and her co-stars continue to earn a staggering amount each year from residual payments.
According to reports, the Friends cast collectively earns approximately $27 million AUD ($20 million USD) annually from the show’s continued syndication and streaming deals. This revelation came as a shock to many fans, who were fascinated by the sheer scale of the income generated by the long-running sitcom.
However, not everyone within the cast is pleased with Kudrow’s public disclosure. Some sources have indicated that her comments may have caused tension among the group. An insider speaking to Rob Shuter for his Naughty But Nice Substack claimed that the other cast members were “stunned” by Kudrow’s openness.
“Nobody talks about the money. That has always been the unspoken rule,” the source said. “They’ve always been disciplined about it. You never hear Jennifer talking about residuals. You never hear Courteney talking about syndication checks. There’s a reason for that.”
The insiders suggested that this silence around financial matters is intentional, both for public perception and personal safety. They believe that Kudrow’s comments could lead to increased scrutiny and pressure on the entire cast.
“Lisa just put a target on all of their backs,” the source claimed. “Once people hear that number, everything changes — security, expectations, lawsuits, pressure, even who starts asking for money.”
In addition to the financial revelations, Kudrow recently opened up about her emotional connection to the show following the passing of her co-star Matthew Perry. She spoke candidly to Capital FM about rewatching Friends for the first time in years after Perry’s death.
“After Matthew passed away, there were marathons [on TV] and that was really comforting watching the show, also just because it makes me laugh, and there he was,” she said. “He was so funny, I mean, the funniest. Sorry everybody else but just truly.”
Kudrow’s reflections highlight the lasting impact of Friends and the deep bond between the cast members. Her openness about both the financial and emotional aspects of the show has sparked renewed interest in the iconic series.
Fans can still enjoy all seasons of Friends on HBO Max, where the show continues to attract new audiences and remind longtime viewers of its enduring charm.
