How much money did the Friends cast make? This question has intrigued many fans and critics alike since the hit television show Friends ended its run in 2004. With its widespread popularity and iconic status, the cast of Friends has certainly made a fortune over the years. Let’s delve into the earnings of the six main actors and explore how much money they made during and after the show’s airing.
When Friends first aired, the cast was relatively unknown. However, as the show gained popularity, so did their salaries. During the first season, the actors were paid between $22,500 and $40,000 per episode. By the time the show ended, their salaries had skyrocketed. In the final season, each cast member was earning an estimated $1 million per episode. This means that over the course of ten seasons, each actor made approximately $100 million.
Let’s take a closer look at the individual earnings of the Friends cast. Jennifer Aniston, who played Rachel Green, was the highest-paid actress on the show. Her earnings during the final season were reported to be around $1 million per episode. Courteney Cox, who portrayed Monica Geller, was the second-highest-paid actress, making approximately $900,000 per episode. Lisa Kudrow, who played Phoebe Buffay, earned around $800,000 per episode, while Matt LeBlanc, who portrayed Joey Tribbiani, made about $800,000 per episode as well. David Schwimmer, who played Ross Geller, earned approximately $600,000 per episode, and Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, made about $500,000 per episode.
After Friends ended, the cast continued to capitalize on their success. Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox have starred in numerous films and television shows, while Lisa Kudrow has also ventured into film and television. Matt LeBlanc has found success in the British comedy series Episodes and has even hosted a talk show. David Schwimmer has appeared in various movies and television projects, while Matthew Perry has had a successful career in comedy and has hosted The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
Additionally, the Friends cast has leveraged their fame through various business ventures. They have released a book, Friends: The Complete Script, and have appeared in commercials and endorsements. They have also capitalized on the show’s success through Friends: The Reunion, a special that aired in 2019, where they reunited for a two-hour special. This special was a ratings hit and further boosted their earnings.
In conclusion, the Friends cast has made a significant amount of money throughout their careers. With their salaries from the show, as well as their post-Friends endeavors, they have amassed substantial fortunes. While the exact figures may vary, it’s clear that the Friends cast has enjoyed a prosperous and lucrative career, thanks to the success of the iconic television show.
