The beloved Friends cast is remembered not only for their on-screen magic but also for their off-screen friendships, but as Lisa Kudrow recently disclosed, keeping that bond intact required effort-and was nearly derailed by disagreements over pay.
Jennifer Aniston, who famously portrayed Rachel Green, revealed that producers once proposed increasing her and David Schwimmer's salaries during the later seasons of Friends due to their characters' prominence. However, this move was met with resistance from the group.
"It would've destroyed us, I think, if someone was soaring financially," Aniston explained in an interview with the Wall Street Journal.
Instead, the six main stars-Aniston, Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and Matthew Perry-stood together to ensure equal pay, a move that showcased their unity.
Kudrow, who played the eccentric Phoebe Buffay, recently elaborated on this issue during her appearance on the Armchair Expert podcast. She admitted the group dynamic wasn't always effortless.
"The six-way relationship took some work," Kudrow shared, noting how essential it was for them to address any misunderstandings directly.
Kudrow explained how the cast cultivated a culture of open dialogue to resolve issues before they could grow into larger conflicts.
"If someone said something or did something, it didn't get too big because it was, 'Can I talk to you?'" Kudrow said.
For Kudrow, this approach was initially difficult. "It was hard for me because I didn't know that was allowed," she admitted, crediting her co-stars Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, and Matt LeBlanc for teaching her about "respectful communication."
By fostering open discussions and prioritizing their friendships, the cast ensured their real-life connection mirrored their on-screen chemistry. Kudrow believes this effort paid off, as their genuine bond translated into the show's success.
Honoring Matthew Perry's Legacy
Kudrow also spoke about the tragic loss of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing. Perry passed away in October 2023, leaving his former co-stars and fans grieving. To honor his memory, Kudrow began rewatching episodes of Friends.
"Honestly, I wasn't able to watch it because it's too embarrassing to watch yourself," she shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "But if I make it about Matthew, then that's OK."
Kudrow praised Perry's comedic brilliance, saying, "No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him." She also recalled how Perry constantly had the cast in stitches during filming, aiming to make everyone laugh as much as possible.
Aniston similarly reflected on Perry's legacy, sharing unseen photos of the actor to mark the first anniversary of his passing.
These images captured moments from their early days on Friends, a reminder of the bond that has endured among the cast despite personal and professional challenges.
Kudrow's reflections underscore the strength of the friendships that defined Friends. Though their journey wasn't without obstacles, their commitment to unity helped create one of television's most enduring legacies.
