Lisa Kudrow is best known for her role as Phoebe Buffay in Friends, one of the most successful sitcoms of all time. But how much has she earned from the show, and does she still make money from it today?
Her financial journey extends beyond Friends, including film roles, real estate investments, and business ventures.
In this article, PBC breaks down Lisa Kudrow net worth, how much she made from Friends, and her long-term financial success. Let’s dive into her wealth, salary, and income sources.
Lisa Kudrow Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Lisa Valerie Kudrow |
| Popular Name | Lisa Kudrow |
| Birth Date | July 30, 1963 |
| Age | 61 (as of 03/13/2025) |
| Birthplace | Encino, Los Angeles, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Jewish (Belarusian, German, Hungarian, Polish descent) |
| Education | Vassar College, Taft High School, Portola Middle School, The Groundlings |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Michel Stern (m. 1995) |
| Children | 1 son (Julian Murray Stern) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Helene Kudrow, David Kudrow, Derrick Kudrow |
| Parents | Nedra Kudrow, Lee Kudrow |
| Height | 1.73 meters |
| Net Worth | $130 million (estimated 2025) |
| Source of Wealth | Acting, Producing, Royalties, Real Estate |
What is the Net Worth Of Lisa Kudrow in 2025?
As of 2025, Lisa Kudrow has an estimated net worth of $130 million . Most of her fortune comes from her Friends salary and ongoing syndication royalties, which continue to bring in millions annually.
While she has acted in successful films and TV shows, her biggest financial asset remains Friends, where she was one of the highest-paid TV actresses of all time.
Compared to her Friends co-stars, Kudrow’s net worth is similar to Courteney Cox and David Schwimmer but lower than Jennifer Aniston, who has continued to land major film and TV roles.
However, her steady earnings from Friends syndication ensure long-term financial stability.
Related People in the Industry:
- Jennifer Aniston
- Courteney Cox
- Matt LeBlanc
- David Schwimmer
- Matthew Perry
- Michel Stern
- NBC
- HBO
- The Comeback
- Web Therapy
Lisa Kudrow is among the top-earning TV actors in Hollywood, proving that sitcom success can lead to lifelong wealth.
Lisa Kudrow Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Much Did She Earn from Friends?
Lisa Kudrow’s Friends salary increased dramatically over the years. In the first season, she earned $22,500 per episode, totaling around $540,000 for the season. As the show’s popularity grew, so did her paycheck:
- Season 2: $40,000 per episode
- Season 3: $75,000 per episode
- Season 6: $125,000 per episode
- Seasons 7 & 8: $750,000 per episode
- Seasons 9 & 10: $1 million per episode
By the end of Friends, Kudrow had earned around $90 million in base salary alone.
Does She Still Earn from Friends Royalties?
Yes, Lisa Kudrow still earns millions every year from Friends syndication. Thanks to smart contract negotiations, she and the main cast members secured a backend deal that gives them royalties from syndication and streaming.
Friends continues to generate over $1 billion per year in syndication revenue, and Kudrow reportedly earns $10-20 million annually from these royalties.
What Are Her Other Sources of Income?
While Friends is her biggest financial success, Lisa Kudrow has earned money from:
- HBO’s The Comeback (Creator, Producer, Lead Actress)
- Web Therapy (Showtime series she co-created and starred in)
- Films (Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion, The Opposite of Sex, The Boss Baby)
- Reality TV Production (Who Do You Think You Are?, nominated for multiple Emmy Awards)
- Game Show Production (25 Words or Less, where she serves as executive producer)
What Real Estate Investments Does She Own?
Lisa Kudrow has several luxury properties, mainly in Beverly Hills, California.
- 1996: Bought a 6,400-square-foot Beverly Hills mansion for $1.9 million
- 2001: Purchased a second Beverly Hills home near Rodeo Drive for $2.4 million
- 2017: Sold a penthouse in Park City, Utah, for $3.6 million
Her real estate investments contribute to her overall wealth and long-term financial stability.
How Has Her Wealth Grown Over Time?
Lisa Kudrow started her career earning small TV roles, but her financial breakthrough came with Friends. Her wealth has grown significantly due to:
- Smart Salary Negotiations: She went from earning $22,500 per episode to $1 million per episode
- Syndication Royalties: Ensured steady income post-Friends
- Producing & Acting in TV Shows: Helped diversify her income
- Real Estate Investments: Long-term asset growth
How Does She Compare to Other Friends Cast Members Financially?
- Jennifer Aniston ($300M+) – Continues to land blockbuster roles
- Courteney Cox ($150M) – Works as an actress and producer
- Matt LeBlanc ($85M) – Had success with Episodes and Top Gear
- David Schwimmer ($120M) – Focuses on directing and acting
- Matthew Perry ($120M, prior to his passing) – Friends royalties were his primary income
Kudrow’s steady royalties and business ventures keep her wealth growing.
Conclusion
Lisa Kudrow’s financial success proves that smart negotiations, royalties, and diversified income sources can lead to long-term wealth. Friends may have ended in 2004, but its impact on her finances continues.
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