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Kudrow Streams Friends Post-Perry Death, Reveals $20M Residuals

5/5/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lisa Kudrow told The Times she had never watched Friends until after Matthew Perry’s 2023 death, prompting her to finally view the series.
In later seasons the six principal actors earned $1 million per episode.
Kudrow said the cast still receives about $20 million annually in residual payments.
She added that off-camera dynamics were intense, with writers reportedly discussing sexual fantasies about co-stars.

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Story summary

Lisa Kudrow told The Times she had never watched Friends until after Matthew Perry’s 2023 death, prompting her to finally view the series.
In later seasons the six principal actors earned $1 million per episode.
Kudrow said the cast still receives about $20 million annually in residual payments.
She added that off-camera dynamics were intense, with writers reportedly discussing sexual fantasies about co-stars.