The main cast of Friends, including David Schwimmer, negotiated their salaries as the show became more successful. In the first season, each cast member earned $22,500 per episode, but their salaries increased over the years. By the final two seasons, the main cast members were earning $1 million per episode.
In addition to their salaries, the cast also negotiated backend deals that allowed them to receive royalties from syndication and merchandise. These royalties continue to earn the cast members millions of dollars per year.
Let’s take a closer look at the salaries and royalties of the Friends cast:
| Cast Member | Salaries (First Season) | Salaries (Final Two Seasons) | Royalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Aniston | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
| Courteney Cox | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
| Lisa Kudrow | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
| Matt LeBlanc | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
| Matthew Perry | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
| David Schwimmer | $22,500 per episode | $1 million per episode | Earns millions per year |
The success of Friends has ensured that the cast continues to reap the financial rewards well after the show ended. The combination of high salaries and lucrative royalties has solidified the cast members’ financial status and secured their places as some of the highest-earning actors in television history.
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