Thanks to the immense success of the series, the Member of the main cast went on to become some of the highest-paid actors in television history. The group also went on to forever change how actors negotiate their contracts. Using Insider as a source, fans can find out exactly how much the main cast paid for each season of friends.
Cole Sprouse: First Episode – $20,000 / Last Episode – $20,000
While James Michael Tyler has played many different roles throughout the years, he will always be best known for his portrayal as Gunther, fan-favorite side character and manager of Central Perk. Tyler appeared in every season of the series and was in 185 episodes in total. But how much was Gunther cast paid?
David Schwimmer: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
\When Friends first aired in 1999, David Schwimmer made $22,500 per episode of season one. By the end of season one, it became clear to the executives of the show that Schwimmer’s on-screen relationship with Aniston was a big reason why the show was so successful.
Lisa Kudrow: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
Like the rest of the cast, Lisa Kudrow made $22,500 per episode for the entirety of season one for her work as Phoebe Buffay. As the seasons went by, fans were happy to learn more and more about the enigmatic character.
Courtney Cox: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
Courtney Cox nailed her role as the responsible, ambitious, and caring Monica Geller. If it weren’t for Monica’s connection to Ross and Rachel, the friends probably would have never formed the strong connection that they did. Throughout the series, Monica takes care of everyone in the group, while still managing to get into her own widely entertaining messes.
Friends:Matthew Perry: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
It’s safe to say Friends probably would not have reached the heights it did if not for Matthew Perry’s gift of delivering one-liners. For 10 seasons, Chandler was the group’s resident comedian — or at least he tried to be. He was also one-half of one of the most memorable bromances on television and his relationship with Joey was also a central part of his character.
Friends: Matt LeBlanc: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
Matt LeBlanc’s portrayal of Joey Tribbiani was so successful that he even got his own spinoff show when Friends ended in 2004. LeBlanc was able to balance out Joey’s role as the flirting womanizer and struggling actor of the group by also playing up his kindness and loyalty.
Friends: Jennifer Aniston: First Episode – $22,500 / Last Episode – $1 Million
Though Jennifer Aniston has gone on to play many other high-profile roles since working on Friends and has become a huge star in her own right, her role as Rachel Green will forever remain her most iconic. From her style and her fascinating love life to her willingness to go after what she wants, Rachel is a character that many women aspire to be like.
