How Much Did the Cast of ‘Friends’ Make- A Comprehensive Look at Their Earnings
How Much Did the Friends Cast Make?
The hit television show “Friends” has been a cultural phenomenon since its debut in 1994. With its iconic characters and relatable storylines, the show has captivated audiences for years. One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the show is how much the cast members made during their time on the show. Let’s take a closer look at the earnings of the Friends cast.
The Friends cast consisted of six main characters: Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, and David Schwimmer as Ross Geller. Each actor’s salary varied throughout the show’s ten-season run, with raises and bonuses contributing to their overall earnings.
In the first season, the cast members received a modest salary of $22,500 per episode. However, as the show gained popularity, their salaries began to soar. By the end of the fifth season, the cast was making an average of $1 million per episode. This was a significant increase from their initial salaries and was due in part to the show’s success and the actors’ growing fame.
The Friends cast also benefited from backend deals, which allowed them to receive a percentage of the show’s profits. These deals were particularly lucrative for the actors, as “Friends” became one of the highest-grossing television shows of all time. The backend deals contributed to the actors’ earnings, making their total salaries even more impressive.
When considering the backend deals and the actors’ salaries, the Friends cast collectively made an estimated $1 billion during the show’s ten-season run. This figure does not include the residuals they continue to receive from reruns and streaming deals.
Individual earnings varied among the cast members. Jennifer Aniston, as the lead character Rachel Green, was the highest-paid actor on the show. Her salary increased over the years, reaching a peak of $1.2 million per episode in the final season. Courteney Cox, who played Monica Geller, also enjoyed a substantial salary, with her earnings peaking at $1 million per episode.
The other cast members also made significant money during their time on “Friends.” Lisa Kudrow, who portrayed Phoebe Buffay, received a salary of $1 million per episode in the final season. Matt LeBlanc, as Joey Tribbiani, made $1 million per episode, while Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, earned $1.2 million per episode. David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller, also received a salary of $1 million per episode in the final season.
In conclusion, the Friends cast made a substantial amount of money during their time on the show. With salaries, backend deals, and residuals, the cast members collectively earned an estimated $1 billion. This impressive figure reflects the show’s success and the actors’ hard work and talent.
