Lisa Kudrow Talks “Friends” Earnings and Legacy
Lisa Kudrow’s iconic role as Phoebe Buffay on “Friends” continues to generate significant income, even over 30 years since the show’s debut in 1994. In a recent interview, she shared that the cast still earns around $20 million annually in residuals.
Kudrow humorously attributed this to Phoebe’s charm, playfully asking, “Because Phoebe Buffay was great?” It’s remarkable how a show that first aired in September 1994 captured such a massive audience, reportedly reaching 25 million viewers each week.
Interestingly, Kudrow revealed that she has never actually watched the show. Following the passing of her co-star Matthew Perry in October 2023, she expressed a desire to finally see it. She noted, “Before, I only thought about what I did wrong and what I could have done better.” Reflecting on the show’s brilliance, she added, “I felt like I was OK, but Jennifer and Courtney? They were amazing. David and Matt? They made me laugh so hard. And Matthew, he was above all of us.”
In earlier discussions, Kudrow shared with The Hollywood Reporter about the mixed feelings watching Perry on screen as Chandler Bing brought back. It became a way to celebrate his unique humor, something she cherished deeply.
“Basically, I’m laughing all day between scenes, because these are funny people,” she mentioned, highlighting Perry’s zest for life and laughter. It’s clear that their camaraderie not only brought joy on set but also left lasting memories.
In her interview with The Times, Kudrow reflected on how “Friends” captured a sense of innocence that today’s younger generations might lack, especially with the prevalence of social media. However, she also clarified that behind the scenes, the atmosphere wasn’t always as lighthearted as it appeared.
“Remember we were recording in front of a live audience of 400 people,” Kudrow remarked. She noted the pressure to deliver perfect performances, highlighting the challenges and dynamics among the cast, particularly regarding their interactions with viewers’ expectations.
Finally, “Friends” ran for ten seasons on NBC, concluding in May 2004 with a staggering viewership of over 52 million for its last episode, proving that the legacy of the show still resonates strongly with fans today.
