The friendships of the "Friends" cast and how they revolutionized television

"Friends" became a ratings juggernaut in the 1990s when the major networks still dominated television. Local stations also paid huge sums for rerun rights, further cementing the show's cultural impact. Perhaps most notable, though, was the cast's unprecedented negotiation strategy - sticking together through their contract talks. This united front resulted in lucrative paydays for the actors and set a new precedent in television.

Matthew Perry's recent passing has understandably reignited widespread interest in the beloved sitcom, which found new life through streaming. In tribute, his former co-stars expressed profound grief, calling themselves a family. That close bond was forged early on when the cast decided to negotiate their salaries as a team with NBC and Warner Bros. Television. This show of support undoubtedly strengthened their position and pay.

As unknowns when "Friends" launched in 1994, reports say the actors were earning less than $25,000 per episode. Hardly a paltry sum, but far from a career-making paycheck. By banding together, though, the six stars were able to leverage the show's success to earn much more substantial rewards down the line. Their united approach would later be mirrored by other hit sitcom ensembles and offered a model for actors' unions during strikes. Most importantly, it demonstrated the power of friendship both on and off-screen.

By the third season, with "Friends" firmly established as a cornerstone, the cast took their salaries into their own hands. Banding together again in negotiations, they successfully advocated for a significant raise. By season seven, with their initial contracts long expired, the actors had become free agents commanding top dollar. As detailed by Business Insider, favorable circumstances helped the "Friends" ensemble maximize their earnings. Initially, David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston received slightly less to align with their peers. However, over time the united negotiation front proved a masterstroke. It showed that talent could overcome networks' attempts to divide and bargain individually, instead strengthening their position through collective leverage.

Reactions were mixed when reports surfaced of the "Friends" cast earning eight-figure salaries annually. Some debated if the actors were truly worth that much, a reasonable perspective without considering the show's importance to NBC and profitability for Warner Bros.

In a 2015 interview, Matt LeBlanc called questioning their compensation irrelevant. Financially, the show ensemble reached new heights together. Nearly 20 years later, their united front in negotiations remains one of the defining hallmarks and lessons of the iconic sitcom. Their solidarity and business acumen allowed the cast to fully capitalize on their success while sticking together through 10 beloved seasons.

Matthew Perry rose to fame portraying Chandler Bing on the seminal sitcom "Friends," about a group of young friends navigating life in New York City. Alongside Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, Perry brought humor and heart to the role of the sarcastic wit over 10 beloved seasons. His nuanced performance earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002, among five total nominations for the prestigious award over his career, including two for his work on "The West Wing."

Perry parlayed his popularity from "Friends" into a film career, starring in comedies like "Fools Rush In" in 1997, "Almost Heroes" in 1998, and "The Whole Nine Yards" in 2000. In his candid 2021 memoir "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," he openly discussed his lifelong battle with addiction, even at the height of his stardom on one of television's most iconic sitcoms.

A statement from Warner Bros. Television, part of the same studio family as CNN, reflected on Perry's indelible mark: "We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend. He was an incredibly gifted performer and a loved member of our community. His genius will live on in the hearts of fans around the world." Perry leaves behind an impressive legacy that saw him help shape mainstream pop culture through his artistry.